Important Ways to Get Ready for Medicare Open Enrollment

by Natalie Stefan

If you are a Medicare recipient, you may know that October is the time to switch up your coverage during the Open Enrollment Period. With so much information available, we put together a checklist of three ways to be prepared for open enrollment.

Important Dates for Open Enrollment

This year, Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7. Any changes you make will take effect starting January 1, 2023. If, however, no changes are made, your plan will remain as-is throughout the year.

In addition to Medicare Open Enrollment, there is also a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment period, which is from January 1 to March 31, 2023. This is for those individuals who already have a Medicare Advantage Plan and are looking to make changes to their plan.

Have You Reviewed Your Plan Notices?

It’s important to pay close attention to your mail this time of year for this is when Medicare Advantage recipients receive their Annual Notification of Change (ANOC) pamphlets in the mail. This pamphlet shows if your current plan is expected to change. Some of these changes can be adding benefits or moving a prescription drug to a higher tier, which could make it more expensive.

Is This Your First Time Enrolling?

If you are enrolling in Medicare for the first time, your Initial Period (IEP) is the seven months surrounding the month you turn 65 years old. It’s around this period when you have the choice to enroll in Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan.

Wondering if You Need Medicare Supplement Insurance?

Basic services are covered by Medicare Part A and Part B. There is a high hospital copayment with both plans. You should consider getting a Medicare Supplement plan if you are new to Medicare because the premiums are based on age and inflation will be at its lowest. Since you are also new to Medicare, insurance companies can’t deny you a policy or place conditions on it.

Does Your Plan Meet Your Current Needs?