Medicare Enrollment Starts Oct. 15!

James Brey

Once a year people who are already on Medicare have an opportunity to make changes in how they receive their benefits. If they are on Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), they can sign up for Part D coverage or move to a Medicare Advantage plan. They can also change from one Part D prescription drug plan to a different one. If they have a Medicare Advantage plan they can switch to a different plan.

Dave Reville of AARP Vermont explained, “The dates for open enrollment this year are October 15 to December 7.”

There are many reasons why someone might want to change plans. Personal circumstances—such as change in health status or drugs needed—or changes in what’s offered in the plans from year to year are some reasons people switch.

“Of course, you don’t have to change if you don’t want to,” explained Reville. “But it is important to make sure you are getting the most out of your Medicare by knowing all your options. You’ll want to find out if another plan might be better for you.”

The steps to take are simple:
- Find the Medicare plans available in the area.
- Compare the costs, benefits and quality of each plan.
- Choose the plan that’s best for you.

Not all plans are available in all parts of the country. Medicare Plan Finder (http://www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan) shows which health plan choices are available by zip code. The tool also allows comparison of benefits, doctors and drugs and the related costs.

“The more you learn about your Medicare choices, the better prepared you will be to make the choice that’s right for you,” said Reville. “A good place to go to get help is the from the experts at the State Health Insurance Information Program (SHIP). They can be reached 800-642-5119. ”