The annual enrollment period (AEP) for Medicare, is quickly approaching, running from Thursday, October 15th to Monday, December 7th, and this period is the opportunity for Medicare beneficiaries to make certain changes to their Medicare coverage.
Changes Available To Be Made
During the Annual Enrollment Period, Medicare beneficiaries can make several changes to their plans and coverage. For example, you can switch from a Medicare Supplement plan to a Medicare Advantage plan or vice versa. Medicare Advantage has the same coverage as Original Medicare but includes Part D (prescription drug coverage.) Depending on the plan, a MA plan can also include vision, hearing, and dental benefits. In contrast, Medicare Supplement allows the use of any doctor while Medicare Advantage requires doctors to be in-network to be covered.
People who are already on a Medicare Advantage plan may also switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another to change the benefits that they choose to have covered under it. People who are already on a Medicare Supplement plan may do the same and switch to a different Medicare Supplement.
Beneficiaries wanting to add Part D for prescription drug coverage (or take away the Part D) may do so during this period.
Take Advantage Of The Window
If you or your loved one needs to make any of these changes to their Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan, make sure to stay on top of the opening and closing dates of AEP so you do not miss the opportunity. Making sure that your Medicare plan is exactly what you need can help you stay on top of your health more effectively.
Medicare Questions?
We hope this information on the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is helpful to you. If you have questions about your Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage coverage, call Empower today. Let our licensed agents help you stay on top of your health and get you back to the activities you enjoy the most. 1-888-446-9157 or click here to get an INSTANT QUOTE