Are you reviewing your current Medicare Plan?
NEXT held a very informative presentation about Medicare’s Fall Open Enrollment, officially known as the Annual Election Period, which runs from November 15 through December 7, this is main time when you can change your coverage.
If you are a San Francisco resident who is receiving Medicare or about to receive Medicare, HICAP can help you maximize your health benefits. We offer consumer counseling on Medicare, Medicare supplement policies, Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), and long-term care insurance.
During Medicare Open Enrollment, seniors can:
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan
- Change from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare
- Select a different Medicare Advantage plan
- Choose a different Medicare prescription drug plan
HICAP Counselors are trained to assist you with filing Medicare and private insurance claims and/or preparing Medicare appeals, if your claim has been denied. If you are considering purchasing long-term care insurance or Medicare supplement insurance, HICAP Counselors can help you compare policies and explain what services each policy provides.
All changes are effective January 1 next year. If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch plans or disenroll and return to Original Medicare. Similarly, if you’re in Original Medicare and would like to join an MA plan, you can. You can also join, disenroll from or switch Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.
Each year, Medicare health plans and Part D prescription drug plans can change their premiums, deductibles, cost-sharing and some benefits, or discontinue their coverage altogether. Therefore, it’s good to be aware of how your plan may change, and prepare accordingly. Some helpful preparation tips include: