Medicare Open Enrollment

Open Enrollment for Medicare is right around the corner. While Medicare coverage is great, changing your coverage, or joining a plan in the first place, can be tricky. While your own health may have changed in the last year, so may have the details of your existing plan. At NShore Patient Advocates, we’re here to help. Information regarding Medicare can be found at www.medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

Here’s some things to keep in mind:

• Update or Adjust your current plan during Open Enrollment 
  • Sign up for Medicare happens during an Initial Enrollment Period
• Fall Open Enrollment takes place between October 15^th-December 7^th
  • New coverage goes in to effect on January 1^st
• Before making any changes to your plan, review your current Medicare health and drug coverage. Even if you’re satisfied with your coverage, a better plan for you could be out there
• If you want to change your plan, you can join a new Medicare Advantage Plan or a new stand-alone prescription drug plan (PDP)
  • You can also switch to Original Medicare with or without a stand-alone Part D plan from a Medicare Advantage Plan
• New cards will be issued for Medicare beneficiaries starting in 2018, but you are not required to take action or pay anything for your new card or to retain benefits
• Medicare Open Enrollment is not the same as Open Enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplaces
  • The Marketplaces are not meant for people who have or are eligible for Medicare

Remember, Open Enrollment is the only time you can pick a new Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D plan. We know Medicare can feel complicated. We’re happy to help with any questions!  Contact us at 312-788-2640.