Three Things You Need to Know about Medicare Open Enrollment

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    Does Medicare open enrollment confuse you? You are not alone, and we are here to clear up any uncertainties. As a Social Security disability firm, we have a direct link to Medicare. Clients who receive disability benefits for a two-year time period are automatically enrolled in Medicare. Except for enrolling in Medicare for the first time, the time period of Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 is the open enrollment period to re-evaluate your current Medicare plan. Therefore, this is the time to find the best 2018 health coverage for yourself.

    What are the Medicare open enrollment options?

    The health coverage that Medicare covers come in four parts.

    1. Part A: Hospital Insurance
    2. Part B: Medical Insurance
    3. Part C: Medicare Advantage Plan
    4. Part D: Prescription Drug Plan

    Typically, when you first qualify for Medicare, you are enrolled in Parts A & B. This program is original Medicare and is government-run. You can then decide if you want to change plans and convert to a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C), which has options from private insurers. You also have the option of a drug and medical combination policy.

    What if I have a low income?

    For those people who have low incomes, they may qualify for a subsidy. A subsidy would cover the cost of premiums of certain drug plans and other costs.

    What can I do during open enrollment?

    During the open enrollment period, there are many choices to choose from once you’ve compared your current plan, to other plans available to you on the market. These include:

    1. Deciding to do nothing, and keep your current Medicare medical and drug coverage.
    2. Switching from an original Medicare plan to a Medical Advantage plan, and vice versa.
    3. Changing the type of Medicare Advantage plan you are currently on; or
    4. You can add, drop, or change your Part D coverage.

    Whichever plan you choose during this open enrollment period, the new coverage will begin January 1, 2018.

    I still have questions, who do I contact?

    If you still have questions about the best plan for you or information on Medicare in general, contact our office today. We can help direct you to an expert on this matter and get you the coverage that is the best fit for you. Furthermore, call us at 216-282-1773 or email us at mliner@linerlegal.com