Medicare Open Enrollment: Five Things You Need to Do
Reading Time: 3 MinutesLast Updated: November 30, 2015
Routines help keep us focused, organized, and even healthy. However, if your health routine doesn’t include preparing for Medicare’s Open Enrollment, now’s the time to kick-start a new healthy habit.
If you have a Medicare health or prescription drug plan, you should review and compare coverage options. The Open Enrollment runs through December 7 and is the time you can make changes to your plan. Even if you’re happy with your current coverage, you might find a better fit for your budget or your health needs. If you miss an Open Enrollment deadline, you’ll most likely have to wait a full year before you can change your plan.
Here are five things every Medicare beneficiary can do to get in the Medicare Open Enrollment routine.
- Review your plan notice. Be sure to read any notices from your Medicare plan about changes for next year, especially your “Annual Notice of Change” letter. Look at your plan’s information to make sure your drugs are still covered and your doctors are still in network.
- Think about what matters most to you. Medicare health and drug plans change each year and so can your health needs. Do you need a new primary care doctor? Does your network include the specialist you want for an upcoming surgery? Does your current plan cover your new medications? Does another plan offer the same value at a lower cost? Take stock of your health status and determine if you need to make a change.
- Find out if you qualify for help paying for your Medicare. Learn about programs in your state to help with the costs of Medicare premiums, your Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance) deductibles, coinsurance and co-payments, and Medicare prescription drug coverage costs. Visit Medicare.gov or make an appointment with a local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselor if you need help.
- Shop for plans that meet your needs and fit your budget. You can use the Medicare Plan Finder tool to see what other plans are offered in your area. A new plan may:
- Cost less;
- Cover your drugs costs; or
- Let you use the providers you want, like your doctor or pharmacy.
If you find that your current coverage still meets your needs, then you don’t need to make any changes. Remember, during Medicare Open Enrollment, you can decide to stay in Original Medicare or join a Medicare Advantage Plan. If you’re already in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can switch back to Original Medicare.
- Check your plan’s star rating before you enroll. The Medicare Plan Finder includes Star Ratings for the 2016 Medicare health and prescription drug plans. Plans are rated for quality on a one- to five-star scale: one star represents poor performance and five stars represent excellent performance. Be sure to use the ratings to compare the quality of any health and drug plans you are considering.
These are a few easy ways to get a jump-start on your Medicare Open Enrollment. For more information, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and say “Agent.” TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. Help is available 24 hours a day, including weekends. If you need help in a language other than English or Spanish, let the customer service representative know the language. You can also visit a local SHIP counselor. SHIP counselors provide free, one-on-one, non-biased Medicare assistance. Get free personalized health insurance counseling by calling your SHIP at the number listed on the Medicare contacts page or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
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Tags: Medicare, social security, SSA
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Dr. Patrick Conway, CMS Principal Deputy Administrator and Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Patrick Conway, CMS Principal Deputy Administrator and Chief Medical Officer
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Stephanie
When will citizens receive the extra help rx reviews in the mail. My parents usually receive a statement saying they qualify or they need to fill out an application every year but I haven’t seen anything yet in the mail.
R.F.
Hello Stephanie, you can find information on the Extra Help program here. Thanks!
CHARLES N.
I NEED TO ADD PART B TO MY PLAN FOR MEDICAL COVERAGE. PLEASE TELL ME HOW TO DO IT.
R.F.
Hello Charles. Some people get Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) automatically and other people have to sign up for it. In most cases, it depends on whether you’re getting Social Security benefits. See http://www.Medicare.gov for more information.
Most people should enroll in Medicare Part B when they’re first eligible, but some people may choose to delay Medicare Part B in certain cases. Click here to learn more. Thanks!
Patricia K.
site will not accept my medicare number.
without spaces without dashes
AND site will not accept my medicare number
with spaces
Please explain
Karyl B.
I want to add Part B to my medicare plan. How?
Francis W.
I am currently 66 years old, am employed full time and receive medical benefits from my employer. Do I have to register for medicare at this time?
R.F.
Thanks for your question, Francis. If you are covered under a group health plan based on your current employment, then you may not need Medicare part B until the work activity ends or that health care coverage is dropped. However, we always suggest that individuals speak to their personnel office, health benefits advisor, or health plan representative to see what’s best for them, and to prevent any penalties or delayed enrollment in the future.
Our policy requires a personal interview be conducted with everyone who wants to terminate their Medicare Part B benefits.
To learn more about the Medicare enrollment periods visit http://www.Medicare.gov.
For further assistance, please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Or contact your local Social Security office directly. Thanks!
josephine l.
Left message to three medicare ins co for a rep to call it has been over a week no one has called why.
Elizabeth O.
I have Medicare part A, how can I apply for Medicare part B?
A.C.
Thanks for your question, Elizabeth. Since you already have Medicare Part A and wish to sign up for Medicare Part B, please contact your local Social Security office or call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Representatives are available Monday through Friday between 7:00a.m. and 7:00p.m. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call later in the day. We hope this helps!
Richard H.
I work full time, do I need to signup for Medicare Part A; I have medical insurance through my employer.
WANDA I.
WHY DO I HAVE MEDICARE PART A,BUT I DO NOT HAVE MEDICARE PART B????.WANDA ISON
V.V.
Thank you for contacting us, Wanda. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot assist you. To check on your Medicare, you will have to contact your local office or call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Steve C.
what is the annual enrollment? do i have to re-enroll every year?
R.F.
To learn more about the Medicare enrollment periods visit http://www.Medicare.gov. For general information about the Medicare program, click here. Thanks!