Be Aware That Open Enrollment Dates for Medicare Have Changed

October 15 marked the beginning of the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period – an often confusing and overwhelming time for many people on Medicare. 

At that time, people on Medicare only have a specific period of time, October 15, 2011 to December 7, 2011, to change their Medicare plan, which will be effective beginning January 1, 2012. It is important to note that Medicare eligibles will no longer be able to enroll up to December 31. Be careful - there are late enrollment penalties if one does not sign up during the designated Open Enrollment Period. 

If they fail to do so, they will be rolled into their current plan for a full year until the enrollment period starts again the following fall 2012. Not changing plans could be an expensive mistake for some Medicare beneficiaries as the costs are expected to increase. 

Choosing the right Medicare healthcare plan partner is very important. It is crucial that people on Medicare really take the time to understand the changes in their coverage and read their annual notification of change. Reaching out to their health plan provider can be extremely beneficial, as it gives Medicare beneficiaries a chance to ask questions and address any concerns they may have. 

If you are new to the Medicare process or if you are looking to find a new plan, here are seven simple steps about how to get the coverage you need that fills your health demands and fits your budget.

Look for a Medicare Advantage Plan. Medicare Advantage plans can often be the most economical plan to use.  They are required to offer coverage that meets or exceeds the standards set by the original Medicare program. A good Medicare Advantage Plan takes the worry out of Medicare coverage so you won’t have any unpleasant surprises later on. 

Find a healthcare insurance company who really cares about you. Remember, “big” is not necessarily better. Consider a smaller, local company that cares about you and the community. Make sure you can reach the people when you have a question.

Make sure you know what it really costs. Be sure to look at the total out-of-pocket cost for your copayments and deductibles to see if it fits your budget. Make sure you know what it really costs.

Look at the prescription coverage. Prescriptions can be the “hidden” costs of some Medicare Advantage Plans. So before applying for any plan, make sure you know any coverage limits and what your out-of-pocket costs will be. Ask to see the formulary to make sure it covers as many prescriptions as possible, including popular brand names, and the drugs you take are on this list.

Don’t forget to consider important extra services. Preventive care, dental and vision coverage, as well as alternative care treatments (i.e., chiropractic) is usually more important than most people realize. These are the services that can keep you healthy and active and help reduce your overall healthcare expenses. 

Review the network of doctors in the plan. Your plan should have a wide choice of approved doctors to choose from. You will want to be comfortable with your primary care doctor, and if you are not satisfied with your initial selection, health plans should give you flexibility to change at a moment’s notice.

Pay special attention to maximum out of pocket costs. You shouldn’t have to make a decision between getting life-saving treatment and going bankrupt. 

Whether you are a person on Medicare or have a parent on Medicare, these simple steps will help you find the very best and most affordable health plan available to contribute to a long, healthy life with no surprises.

Ronald H. Bolding is the president and CEO of Inter Valley Health Plan, a not-for-profit, federally qualified, Medicare Advantage Organization providing health insurance products for more than 16,500 Medicare seniors throughout Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Through The Vitality Series, the company promotes a “lifestyle of health and vitality” for members and the senior community at-large.