Medicare Annual Enrollment

Quick update regarding the 2021 Medicare Annual Enrollment season.  (also known as/marketed as the Medicare Annual Enrollment/Election Period or Medicare Open Enrollment Period)

It begins on October 15th and continues through December 7th, for a January 1st effective date.  If you’re already on Medicare, this is for you.  If you’re turning 65 for the first time around these dates or within the next 6 months, you fall into different enrollment periods and don’t need to get caught up in all the hype, at least for now. 🙂

Do I have to make any changes, re-enroll, if I I’m happy with my current coverage?

That depends on the coverage you have now.

You either have a Medicare Supplement “Medigap” insurance plan, along with a stand-alone Medicare Part D Rx plan, OR, you have a Medicare Advantage “Part C” plan… which typically includes the Medicare Part D Rx coverage.  If you’re retiring, losing other employer insurance, I can help you decide which of the options below makes the most sense for you.

Medicare Supplement “Medigap”

If you have a Medigap plan and are happy with your plan, no action is necessary during the Medicare annual enrollment period.  Your policy renews with each premium payment you make, for life.

Rates for Medigap plans do go up, so please let me know if you would like quotes for the same plan you have now or another plan you may be interested in.  We can then set up a time to review.  (I’m an independent insurance agent, which means I can shop all of the Medigap plans in your area to find you the best company and rate!)

You can apply to switch your plan at any time during the year, with approval of the new plan subject to health underwriting (answering health questions).  There are no enrollment periods for this type of coverage, other than when you’re first eligible for Part B (age 65+).  This is when you can buy any Medigap plan and not be declined due to health, or pre-existing conditions.

Medigap plans DO NOT include coverage for regular, maintenance/preventative type drugs.  These are covered under Medicare Part D.  If you have a stand-alone Medicare Part D Rx plan and want to review/compare with the 2021 Medicare Part D Rx plans, let’s talk.  Any plan changes go into effect Jan.1st, 2021.

If you have a Medigap Plan + Medicare Part D Rx plan and are considering switching to a Medicare Advantage “Part C” plan, I can help.  Let me help you compare all the plans in your area this Medicare annual enrollment season, to see if it’s right for you.

Medicare Advantage “Part C” Plan

If you have a Part C plan, like a Medicare HMO or PPO, and you’re happy with your plan, you can keep it.  If you’re not happy with your plan and want to compare with 2021 Part C plans in your area… or even switch back to Original Medicare and apply for a Medigap plan, you can do so during the Medicare annual enrollment period (Oct. 15th- Dec. 7th).  Please read the ANOC notice below if you have a Medicare Advantage “Part C” plan, OR, a stand-alone Medicare Part D Rx plan.  Your current plan will mail this to you usually Sept/Oct every year…

**  The Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) is the notice you receive from your Medicare Advantage “Part C” or Medicare Part D Rx plan in late September. This notice gives a summary of any changes in the plan’s cost and coverage that will take effect January 1st of the next year. Review this notice to see if your plan will continue to meet your health care needs in the following year. If you do not receive an ANOC from your plan, you should contact your plan. The ANOC is typically mailed with the plan’s Evidence of Coverage (EOC), which is a more comprehensive list of the plan’s cost and benefits for the upcoming year.

Next Steps…

If you want to review your coverage for plan year 2021, we can begin reviewing the 2021 plans Oct. 1st, can submit an application beginning Oct. 15th through Dec. 7th, with plan changes taking effect Jan. 1st, 2021.

Are you ready to get this done?

To make things easier for everyone, you can pick a time block by clicking the link below and selecting an appointment time that’s best for you… and we can review it all.

Thank you,

Chad Cason (Owner/Agent)

(404) 996-0045

Please click the link below to schedule your phone appointment…

—> Schedule Your Medicare Annual Plan Review Now!

Medicare Annual Enrollment 2021