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It’s that time of year again: Medicare Open Enrollment period. Each year from October 15 to December 7, current Medicare users are able to compare and switch their Medicare plans, if wanted. New users are able to enroll during this period, so long as it is not their first time enrolling in Parts A or B. According to MyMedicareMatters.org, here are the various changes you can make during this open enrollment time:
- Anyone with Medicare Parts A & B can switch to a Part C plan.
- Anyone with Medicare Part C can switch back to Parts A & B.
- Anyone who has or is signing up for Medicare Parts A or B can join, drop or switch a Part D prescription drug plan.
- Anyone with Medicare Part C can switch to a new Part C plan.
Any changes you make to your Medicare coverage plan during the 2020 open enrollment period will be effective as of January 1, 2021.
Why re-evaluate my Medicare needs?
Given the fact that insurance companies are able to make various changes to their Medicare plans that impact the specifics of different out-of-pocket costs for consumers, it’s recommended that you use this time to re-evaluate your own plan and make changes that can save you money while keeping you covered. The benefits of annually evaluating your Medicare coverage plan, according to MyMedicareMatters.org, are these:
- Switching to better prescription drug coverage can reduce out-of-pocket costs and ensure drug plans still cover needed prescriptions.
- Save money and keep your doctor in-network by switching Medicare Advantage or Part D plans. Research shows that the average consumer can save $300 or more annually if they review their Part D coverage
- Find a higher quality plan. Plans with a 5-star rating are considered high quality. If you are enrolled in a plan that is less than 3, consider using Open Enrollment to switch.
So, take advantage of this open enrollment period to ensure that you have the best plan that has the coverage you need without over paying. Be sure to visit MyMedicareMatters.org and take their questionnaire to best assess your current healthcare needs versus your current plan.
