How to Prepare for the 2019 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period

The 2019 annual enrollment period is about to open on October 15^th. This is the time of year when you can you are able to make changes to your Medicare coverage including:

• Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
• Change from original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan
• Enroll, change, or cancel your Part D prescription drug coverage
• Go back to original Medicare and drop your Medicare Advantage plan

Now is the time to prepare. We’ve put together five tips to help you get ready to make this year’s enrollment period a successful one.

• Annual Notice of Change – Every September you will receive a notice called the annual notice of change. This document explains any changes that will be made to your plan for the upcoming year. Take note if any of the changes may adversely affect your coverage.

• Remember the dates – Most new enrollments and changes to Medicare plan can only occur during this time of year, which runs from October 15^th to December 7^th, a mere 54 days. If you miss the deadline, your only opportunity to enroll in or change plans is if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

• Review your needs – Now is the time to evaluate if the coverage you need going forward will should be changed. Determine if you need additional coverage or if you are paying for coverage you don’t need.

• Check the network – If you are expecting to see a new physician in the upcoming year, contact your insurance provider to confirm they are in-network to avoid higher out of pocket costs.

• Renew or change your plan – If the plan you have is right for you and you are already enrolled, it will automatically renew. Should you need additional coverage, are paying too much for coverage, or are unsatisfied with the current premium, now is the time to review other plans in your area.

Now is a good time to do your annual enrollment period homework. As your agent, I am here to help. Please call me anytime if you need assistance evaluating your insurance needs or to review the plans that make the most sense for you and your budget.