RSS
Home
Medicare annual election period and what changes you can make
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Every year the onslaught begins--the Medicare Annual Election Period runs November 15 through December 31, the constant commercials start advertising the Medicare Advantage products from a number of insurance carriers. If you're under 65 this can be a real annoyance, all the commercials. If you're over 65, it can be annoying too unless you have a Medicare Advantage plan that you're not happy with. This is the time to make a change that will take effect January 1 and carry you through the next year.
The Medicare Advantage collection of plans include HMOs, regional PPOs, Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs) and Private Fee for Service (PFFS) plans. The HMOs and regional PPOs are the most popular.
Back to those of us under 65--if your parents aren't happy with their current Medicare Advantage coverage, or you think their plan isn't working, OR most important, their doctor isn't with the plan anymore, that's another reason to make a change.
You can check with the doctor's office directly to see who they are contracted with or the health plans all have web sites where you can check to see who is contracted and availalbe as well. Or you can call your insurance agent for help picking through all this--that's what we're here for! Be sure they are certified to sell Medicare products, and ask which carriers they are offering. This works differently from other type of insurance, as agents have to be certified with each carrier for each product they want to offer.
Next: A series on the types of Medicare Advantage plans; HMOs, POSs, PPOs and PFFSs
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
