Understanding Medicare can be quite complicated. There are so many plans and options from which to choose, it can be a frustrating mess to make sense of it all. With all of the different Medicare Parts and options, and the concept of open enrollment, it does not get any easier. Instead of trying to take all of it in at once, it makes more sense to break it down and learn about the different options one at a time. First, take some time to learn about open enrollment.
Each year, those who want to enroll in Medicare, or who want to change their coverage, will have the ability to do so during the enrollment period. The open enrollment period ends on December 7. It is important to note that the dates for open enrollment changed from what they were in the past. Currently the open enrollment period is from October 15 to December 7.
During open enrollment, you will be able to change your Medicare Advantage Part C plan or your Part D plan. If they haven’t been a part of one of these programs before, they can enroll.
One of the things that people who are in open enrollment need to do is to take the time to look at the options and features that Part C and Part D offer. These plans have additional services and options available. For example, with the original Medicare programs, it was not possible to get hearing aids and certain other types of care such as dental and vision. By adding Part C in open enrollment, it’s then possible to receive these other features.
Do You Like the Plan?
In some cases, people will sign up for a plan during open enrollment and then find that they really do not like it. They would rather go back to original Medicare. Fortunately, it’s possible. You can return to your original plan between January and February after enrolling.
What Do You Need?
Instead of waiting until the last minute to determine whether you will be taking part in the open enrollment period and changing your plan by adding Part C and/or Part D, you should continue your research. Consider what you need from a quality healthcare plan and make sure that you are choosing the ones that are right for you. For example, if you have a number of prescriptions, then adding Part D could really help to defray those costs.