Adler Insurance explains Medicare Annual Open Enrollment in Prescott

Turning 65 is one way you become eligible for Medicare. You can also be under 65 and be eligible for Medicare because you are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI. Open enrollment is the only time people with Medicare can change their health and prescription drug coverage for the following year. Adler Insurance, your Medicare expert in Prescott, is here to help you make sense of Medicare’s 2019 Annual Election Period (also known as Open Enrollment).

Open Enrollment Changes:

• During Open Enrollment you are allowed to change your Part D or Medicare Advantage (MA) plan.
• MA or drug plans can change drug coverage lists each year.
• Your Medicare Advantage plan can also change their network of facilities and physicians
• MA and drug plans can change how they cover medical services.
• MA and drug plans can drop additional benefits like dental, vision, and hearing.

When is Medicare’s 2019 Open Enrollment?

• Medicare’s Open Enrollment is October 15 to December 7, 2018. The effective date of the plan will always be January 1st.
• Because of the potential changes as listed above, this may be a good time to look at your options!

Does Medigap have an Open Enrollment for 2019?

• No. You can switch from one Medigap plan to another during this time, but you will have to answer medical questions. 
• If you want to switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap, you will also be required to answer medical questions. There may be a exception if you qualify for special enrollment.

Medicare Open Enrollment is the time to shop around to make sure you have the best plan for your needs. Adler Insurance, your Medicare expert in Prescott, is here to help. If you have questions about Medicare coverages, give the experts at Adler Insurance a call at 928-710-1455. Learn more about Medicare and the other services we offer at http://www.adlerlifehealth.com.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Prescott Health Care Insurance Agents
Comprehensive Health Care in Prescott
Helpful Insurance Articles 

Must Know Open Enrollment Dates for Medicare in Prescott Arizona provided by Adler Insurance

Open Enrollment and Medicare are often confusing, particularly if you haven't had to apply for them before.  Adler Insurance in Prescott wants to shine a light on important information that will help seniors not only apply, but also discuss the intricacies of Arizona Medicare numbers. 

Q: When is Medicare Open Enrollment for 2017 coverage?
A: For 2017 Medicare coverage, open enrollment is in the fall of 2016, from October 15 to December 7. (The specific dates changed in 2011, but have been the same ever since, and should remain as-is for the foreseeable future.)

During this annual enrollment period (AEP)  you can make changes to various aspects of your coverage.

• You can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or vice versa.
• You can also switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or from one Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan to another.

If you want to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must meet some basic criteria.

• You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and B.
• You must live in the plan’s service area.

Is auto-renewal available?

If you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Part D prescription plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan and you don’t want to make changes to your coverage for 2017, you don’t need to do anything during open enrollment, assuming your current plan will still be available in 2017.

In Arizona in 2017:

• 100 percent of people with Medicare have access to a Medicare Advantage plan.
• 71 Medicare Advantage plans are available.
• 22 Medicare Prescription Drug Plans are available.
• 83 percent of people with Part D have access to a plan with a lower premium than what they paid in 2016.
• 27 percent of people with Medicare Part D get Extra Help (also called the low-income subsidy, or LIS).
• $17 is the lowest monthly premium for a prescription drug plan.

If you are interested in more information regarding Open Enrollment for Medicare contact Adler Insurance at (928)710-1455 or by visiting our website at http://www.adlerhealth.com.

More Information:
Medical Insurance in Prescott
Prescott Healthcare Insurance
Medicare Information