Dear Marci,
I’ve heard that I can make changes to my Medicare coverage during Fall Open Enrollment. Should I look for a new plan? How can I enroll in one if I find one I like?
-Jing (Burlington, VT)
Dear Jing,
If you are considering changing your Medicare coverage, Fall Open Enrollment is the time to do it. Fall Open Enrollment is the period between October 15 and December 7 each year when people can make changes to their Medicare coverage. You can change your Medicare Advantage Plan, change your standalone Part D prescription drug plan, or switch between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare. Whether or not you are satisfied with your current coverage, you should review your current costs and benefits. Fall Open Enrollment is also a good time to compare your coverage to other available options. Research shows that people can save money by shopping for new plans each year.
If you are thinking of enrolling in a new Medicare Advantage Plan or stand-alone Part D drug plan, you should take the following steps:
- If you are looking for a new Part D plan, you can use the Plan Finder tool from www.Medicare.gov to compare options in your area. Before you use Plan Finder, make a list of the medications you take, the amount that you currently pay for them, and which pharmacies you like to visit. You will be able to get a sense of which plans cover the medications you need with the lowest costs and fewest coverage restrictions.
- If you are shopping for a new Medicare Advantage Plan, you can use the Plan Finder tool to compare options in your area. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask about plans in your area. Once you have a list of your available options, you can visit their websites to learn more.
- After you have researched plans and found one that you are interested in, call that plan directly to confirm what you learned online. Ask about your doctors and hospitals to check that they are included in your plan’s network. Check also that the plan includes all the drugs you need on its formulary, and that your pharmacies are in the plan’s network. Write down everything about this conversation, including the date of the conversation, who you speak to, and the outcome of the call.
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE if you decide to enroll in a new plan. This is the best way to protect yourself if there are any problems with enrollment. Write down everything about your call, including the date of the conversation, who you speak to, and any information the Medicare representative gives you during the call. Remember to confirm all the details about your new plan with the plan itself before calling Medicare.
If you need additional help, you can call or visit the website of your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). SHIP counselors can help you understand your Medicare coverage options.
-Marci