Issue #31: November 2024

Reminder: Medicare Open Enrollment Is Happening Right Now!

Welcome back! As a reminder, Medicare Open Enrollment is happening now, from October 15 through December 7. If you haven’t made any changes yet, there’s still time to review your current plan and decide if it meets your needs for the upcoming year.

In this issue, we’ll give you more tips on how to compare plans and make sure you’re getting the best coverage possible.

Be sure to take advantage of this important time!

More Information:

For more information that can help you during Medicare Open Enrollment, please visit our Medicare Open Enrollment page.

Be Careful With Ads During Medicare Open Enrollment

Medicare Open Enrollment is the time of year when you can make changes to your Medicare plan. You might see a lot of ads for Medicare Advantage plans during this time. These ads might ask you to call a number or answer questions about your Medicare. While some plans can be good, it’s important to be careful.

Medicare Advantage is a type of plan that offers extra benefits like vision, dental, or hearing coverage. But not all plans are the same, and some might not cover what you need. That’s why it’s important to do your own research before making any decisions.

Here are a few tips to stay safe:

• Don’t feel pressured: Some ads may make you feel like you need to act fast, but you should take your time and compare your options.
• Check if the plan works for you: Not every plan is a good fit. Make sure the plan meets your health needs, including your doctors, prescriptions, and other health services.
• Use trusted sources: If you have questions about Medicare, go directly to Medicare.gov or talk to a trusted advisor such as a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (also referred to as a SHIP) counselor. You can learn more about SHIP counselors in this article from our Medicare Open Enrollment page: How the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Can Help You During Medicare Open Enrollment.

Remember, ads are meant to sell you something. Take your time, ask questions, and always read the fine print before making a choice about your Medicare coverage.

For more information about Medicare Open Enrollment and things you should think about, visit our Medicare Open Enrollment page.

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How To Make Changes To Your Health Coverage During Medicare Open Enrollment

Medicare Open Enrollment happens every year from October 15 to December 7. During this time, you can make changes to your Medicare plan to make sure it fits your needs.

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Review your current plan. Look at what your current plan covers. Does it still meet your needs? Check to see if your doctors, prescriptions, and other health services are included.
2. Explore your options. During Open Enrollment, you can:
   • Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan.
   • Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
   • Change your Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan.
3. Compare plans. Go to Medicare.gov and use the Plan Finder tool. This tool helps you compare different plans based on what you need and where you live.
4. Make your decision. Once you find a plan that works for you, you can enroll in it during the Open Enrollment period. You can make changes in different ways, including:
   • Online: Go to Medicare.gov, use the Plan Finder tool, and follow the steps to enroll in the new plan.
   • By phone: Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to enroll or make changes over the phone.
   • Directly through the plan: Contact the insurance company offering the plan you want to switch to, and they can help you enroll.
5. Confirm your enrollment. After you make a change, make sure you get confirmation and understand when the changes will take effect, usually starting on January 1, 2025.

Take your time, compare your options, and choose a plan that works best for you!

More information:

If you have questions about Medicare, go directly to Medicare.gov or talk to a trusted advisor such as a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (also referred to as a SHIP) counselor. You can learn more about SHIP counselors in this article: How the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Can Help You During Medicare Open Enrollment.

For more information that can help you during Medicare Open Enrollment, please visit our Medicare Open Enrollment page.