Medicare Open Enrollment Q&A: What You Need To Know

Whether you have original Medicare, Medicare Advantage or a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, you have one opportunity each year to make any changes you want. This opportunity is Medicare's open enrollment period, also called the Medicare Annual Election Period (Oct. 15 - Dec. 7, 2015).

Medicare plan benefits and your needs can change on an annual basis, so use the open enrollment period to compare your options and get the right fit.

VIDEO: Watch AARP West Virginia State Director Gaylene Miller discuss Medicare Open Enrollment and what you need to know!

During this past year, have you: Changed the medications you take? Been diagnosed with a new medical condition? Any of those changes could mean your current Medicare plan no longer meets your needs.

The costs of your Medicare plan can go up or down, and prescription drugs can be added or dropped from the list of drugs (the formulary) included in your plan. Some Medicare plans change the benefits they offer or stop offering coverage in a particular location.

You can compare the plans available in the Mountain State by contacting the West Virginia State Health Insurance Assistance Program toll-free at (877) 987-4463. You may also compare plans and enroll in a new plan if you choose by visiting Medicare.gov or calling 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227).