Do You Need To Use The 2011 Open Enrollment For 2012 Plans?
Check The Dates For Medicare Enrollment!
Medicare open enrollment periods keep changing. Of course, the best source for information is the Medicare Open Enrollment Center at Medicare.gov. I thought I would highlight some important information here though.
This year, open enrollment starts earlier, and it also ends earlier. Hopefully, this helps people get enrolled, and get their new plan cards and benefit sheets all set up by January 1st, 20112. The first of January is when plan changes will be in effect!
The open enrollment period from October 15th to December 7th of 2011 is when you can:
- Choose a Part “D” prescription plan to help pay for medicine.
- Chose a Part “C” Medicare Advantage plan to help manage medical service costs. Note that some Medicare Advantage (MA) plans also include prescription coverage.
- This is when you have the option of selecting a new plan, staying in your current plan, or going back to original Medicare coverage.
Every year, some plans change, some terminate, and some new ones are added. If you are satisfied with your current MA or Part D plan, you may not need to make any changes. If your plan is changing, or you would prefer a different plan, you should start doing your research now.
Where To Compare Medicare Health Plan Options
You can find out a lot about current, and future, Medicare health plan options at Medicare.gov. This is true for MA, prescription plans, supplements, and the original Medicare Part A and Part B.
You may also want to get some help from a private insurer or local agent. We offer Medicare Supplement Quotes, plus quotes for MA and prescription plans.
We also offer a short tutorial so you can compare Medicare health plans. You can also take a moment to learn the differences between Medicare supplements vs. Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Prescription plans.
Other Important Dates To Remember
- September 1 – 30: Notice to Review Eligibility for Extra Help – If you get extra financial help, this is when you should get a notice that it is time to make sure you still qualify. You should complete and return the form within 30 days.
- September 30th – Notice of Plan Changes - By this date, you should have gotten a notice from your current MA or Part D plan of any changes for next year.
- October 1st: New Marketing Materials - Private insurance companies will start marketing new and current plans. You should also be able to find updated information about these plans on the insurance company or Medicare website. Agents should have updated information to supply you.
January 2012 Open Enrollment Note: The old open enrollment period that started in early January has been discontinued. Between January 1st and February 14th, 2012, you may dis-enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, and return to original Medicare. You may also join a Medicare prescription plan and purchase a Medicare supplement if you wish.
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