The 2016 Medicare Open Enrollment started October 15th and continues till December 7th. During this time Medicare eligible people are able to enroll in, or change their current Medicare Advantage (MAPD) HMO/PPO, or stand-alone Part D/drug plan.
Remember, if your current plan or employer/ retiree coverage is renewing in 2017 and you are satisfied with it, you do not need to do anything. If you would like to shop to see what else is out there, now is the time. The following are the options most people have and what changes they could consider.
1. If you own a Medicare Advantage (MAPD) HMO or PPO plan you are able to keep it or select a different HMO/PPO plan or choose a stand-alone Part D plan. Be careful however, choosing a stand-alone Part D/drug plan would automatically cancel you out of your current Medicare Advantage plan and put you back on Original/Straight Medicare Part A & Part B.
2. I have found it is a good idea to review the Part D/drug coverage plan you have every year to be sure the drug coverage that worked well in 2016 will work just as well in 2017. We are happy to do the research and review those options for you.
3. The Medicare Open Enrollment period is not as relevant for people who own supplements. Supplemental insurance people in CA have a Birthday Rule open enrollment the month of their birthday. During that time, you are guaranteed to switch to a different carrier or plan regardless of pre-existing conditions as long as it is a like for like. People may apply for a fully underwritten supplemental plan at any time.
The good news is that most people are very happy with their current Medicare choices
Thanks for reading!
