when should you call acentra health?

• If you are not ready to be discharged from the hospital.
• If your Medicare skilled services are ending too soon. Examples of skilled services include things like physical therapy and nursing services.
• If you have a concern about the quality of care you received.
• If you have a concern about your medical care that needs to be taken care of right away.

Click on the button below for the phone number for your state. These services are free for people who have Medicare. 

Telephone Numbers

february is american heart month

American Heart Month is the perfect time to focus on your heart health and learn new ways to keep your heart in great shape. Even small changes can make a big difference when it comes to protecting your heart.

One great way to get started is by visiting our Heart Month page. Check out the section called Resources for Everyone to find helpful websites and tools all about heart health.

For example, the American Heart Association website offers:

• Heart-Healthy Recipes: Discover delicious meals that are good for your heart and easy to make.
• Cooking Skills Videos: Learn practical tips and techniques for preparing healthier meals at home.
• Informative Articles: Get expert advice on how to eat healthier, manage your weight, and build habits that support long-term heart health.

Taking care of your heart doesn’t have to be complicated. Explore these resources and see what works best for you.

For more ideas and tips, head to our Heart Month page today.

Your heart will thank you!

don't keep this a secret

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understanding medicare advantage open enrollment: what you need to know

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment is here, running from January 1 to March 31.

This enrollment period is for those people who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) who want to switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) or go back to Original Medicare (and join a separate Medicare drug plan).

If you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan or thinking about switching, this is your chance to make some changes. Let’s break it down to make it simple.

During this time, you can:

• Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
• Go back to Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and add a Part D plan for prescriptions.

Remember: you can only make one change during each open enrollment period, so choosing the best option for your healthcare needs is important.

why you might consider switching plans

Life happens, so your needs or current plan might have changed. Some reasons to consider switching include:

• Higher Costs: Your premiums or copays are going up.
• Network Issues: Your favorite doctor(s) isn’t in the plan anymore.
• Coverage Gaps: Your plan doesn’t cover things like dental or vision.
• You’re Unhappy: Maybe your current plan just isn’t working for you.

thinking about medigap?

If you’re returning to Original Medicare, you might want a Medigap plan to help with extra costs like deductibles and coinsurance.

• Guaranteed Issue Rights: When you first join Medicare, you’re guaranteed to get a Medigap plan, but this might not apply if you’re leaving a Medicare Advantage plan.
• Separate from Drug Coverage: Medigap doesn’t cover prescriptions, so you’ll need a Part D plan for that.

how to compare plans

Take some time to review your options.

1. Review Your Plan’s Changes: Check the Annual Notice of Changes (ANOC) for updates to costs and coverage.
2. Use Medicare’s Plan Finder: This tool allows you to easily compare plans on Medicare’s website.
3. Ask for Help if you Need it: State Health Insurance Assistance Program (also called SHIP) counselors offer free, unbiased advice to guide you.

tips for switching

• Check Networks: Make sure your doctors and hospitals are covered.
• Review Drug Coverage: Confirm that your medications are on the plan’s list.
• Look for Extras: Some plans include fitness programs, transportation, or other perks.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment is your chance to make sure your plan fits your needs. Whether it’s switching plans, going back to Original Medicare, or adding a Medigap plan, reviewing your options now can save you money and headaches later.

the medigap trap — what you need to know

The Medigap trap happens when people wait too long to buy a Medigap policy. Unlike Medicare Advantage plans, which allow you to make changes during open enrollment, Medigap has stricter rules. If you don’t buy a plan during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (the first six months after you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B), insurance companies can deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health.

how does it happen?

Here’s how the trap can catch someone on a Medicare Advantage plan:

• Skipping Medigap at 65: Many people choose Medicare Advantage for its lower premiums and extra perks like dental and vision coverage. But if you decide to switch back to Original Medicare later and want Medigap, you may face health underwriting (where your health history is evaluated), higher costs, or outright denial.
• Health Changes Over Time: If you’re healthy now, it’s easy to assume that you’ll qualify for Medigap later. But if a chronic condition or serious illness develops, it can make getting Medigap much harder after your open enrollment period ends.

how to avoid the trap

1. Understand Your Enrollment Window: Your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period is your best chance to get coverage with no health questions asked.
2. Plan for the Long Term: If you think you might want Medigap in the future, you should consider enrolling during your initial window, even if you don’t need it now.
3. Know About Guaranteed Issue Rights: If you leave your Medicare Advantage plan under certain circumstances, like moving out of its service area, you might qualify for a guaranteed right to buy Medigap without underwriting.

what if you're already in the trap?

If you’ve missed your chance and are now considering Medigap, here’s what to do:

• Shop Around: Some insurers are more flexible and might offer you coverage even if you’ve had health changes.
• Talk to Experts: Reach out to a SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) counselor for advice specific to your situation.
• Look at Other Options: Medicare Advantage might still offer a plan that works better for your current needs if Medigap isn’t an option.

For now, even if your Medicare Advantage plan works for you, you may want to keep an eye on your options.

If you’re thinking about making a change, understanding the Medigap trap can save you a lot of stress and money. Take the time to plan ahead, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a SHIP counselor or Medicare expert for guidance. A little preparation today can make all the difference tomorrow!

Publication No. R146810-125-1/2025. This material was prepared by Acentra Health, a Medicare Quality Improvement Organization under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The contents presented do not necessarily reflect CMS policy.