Medicare Open Enrollment Opens October 15

This fall, AARP Idaho is encouraging Medicare beneficiaries to read their annual Notice of Change and to review their health and prescription drug plan options for 2017 during Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15 ^th – December 7 ^th). Given the trend in high prescription medication prices, consumers are advised to pay close attention to their Medicare Part D drug plan options to help save money.

Medicare plans often change their cost-sharing and coverage benefits every year. However, insurers must notify all their enrollees of any plan changes for the coming year before the end of September. AARP strongly recommends that people read these Notices of Change carefully, compare their current plan with other available plans, and change to a different plan during open enrollment if it better meets their current needs. People satisfied with their current coverage do not need to do anything because reenrollment will occur automatically.

Things to Know About Medicare Open Enrollment

Changes You Can Make

Here are changes you can make during open enrollment:

Switch from traditional Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or vice versa

Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another

Switch from one stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to another

Drop Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage

Join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan if you didn’t sign up when you were first eligible

Consider the “Four C’s”

AARP recommends that people consider the “Four C’s” when reviewing Medicare plan options:

Cost – Compare monthly premiums, annual deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurance.

Coverage – Review the doctors and pharmacies included in the plan, as well as prescription drugs and other services you need.

Convenience – Look at the local doctors, pharmacies, and services included in the plans.

Customer Service – Consider the quality of service a plan provides. Quality ratings for most Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans are available at www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan .

Where to Get Help

Idaho Department of Insurance – Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors Program

http://www.doi.idaho.gov/shiba/default.aspx

1-800-247-4422

Resources

AARP Medicare Starter Kit

Medicare Open Enrollment and You

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services