 |
 |
|
Open
Enrollment for Medicare Advantage Plans |
| Tracey Cousineau - Outreach Manager |
| 3/18/2008 |
You can join or switch Medicare Advantage Plans from January 1st to March 31, each year, but you cannot add or drop Medicare prescription drug coverage during this time. As a result, Medicare Advantage Plans are promoting their offers straight to you through the television, newspapers, mailboxes, e-mail, and telephone. Although this advertising may be useful, it may also be designed to pressure you to choose a plan that may not be the best one for you. That is why it is VERY IMPORTANT to take your time, compare plans and understand your choices for your own medical needs before you make any decisions.
Medicare Advantage Plans, or Medicare+Choice plans
are offered by private insurance companies and pay for
the same health care services as original Medicare.
Some Medicare Advantage Plans
may also pay for additional services that aren’t covered by original
Medicare, although, in some plans you may only be able to see certain
doctors or go to certain hospitals to receive covered services.
Not everyone will benefit from a Medicare Advantage plan. The following are some simple rules before enrolling that can avoid problems and disappointments later. These guidelines will help to ensure that you make wise choices about Medicare Advantage Plans:
- Review coverage provided by the original Medicare program and by Medigap insurance policies - explore eligibility for the Medicare Buy In program
· Ask if the plan includes Part D prescription coverage
· Ask which plan services are provided at additional cost and how much
- You should ask about which physicians, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and home care agencies participate with the Medicare Advantage Plan
After March 31 there are a few situations when you
can cancel your enrollment from a Medicare Advantage plan and return to
original Medicare. Those who
enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time and dropped
their Medicare supplement when they enrolled, can cancel enrollment
anytime in the first 12 months of coverage.
Someone new to Medicare
can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan when they go on Medicare and can
also cancel enrollment anytime in the first 12 months of coverage.
Those living in nursing homes, on Medicaid and those who are in
programs which help pay the Medicare Part B premium (QMB, SLMB and QI)
can change monthly if needed.
You must contact the Medicare Advantage Plan directly to cancel your
plan.