Medicare Open Enrollment Begins
Open Enrollment begins November 15, 2006 for Medicare plans
Next week on Novemebr 15, Open Enrollment begins for Medicare Plans for 2007. Do your homework and select the plans that provide you with the best coverage.
Medicare in the U.S. offers four parts to it's coverage for those 65 and over, or those with certain permanent disabilities, and those with End-Stege Renal Disease (ESRD). Traditional Medicare consists of Plans A and B.
- Plan A is for hospital coverage. Plan B is for major medical such as physician visits, outpatient care, home health and durable medical equipment (DME).
- Plan C (Medicare Advantage Plans) offers HMO/PPO managed care plans for those who chosse to lower their premiums and out-of-pocket expenses in exchange for more restricted medical care and oversite.
- Plan D is the Medicare Presription Drug Plan which was added in 2006.
Once each year beneficiaries can make changes to their Part D choices. This is known as Open Enrollment. On November 15, Open Enrollment begins and continues through December 31. Changes take effect on January 1, 2007 and cannot be changed again until the Open Enrollment period begins next November. Changes should be made by December 8 to ensure prescription drug coverage is available January 1, 2007.
Changes can be made to Part A/B or C until March 31 when they will be locked in until Open Enrollment begins again in November.
Medicare offers many publications to help beneficiaries make choices for their own care. The 2007 Medicare Handbook is available online as a .pdf file which require Adobe Reader to view.
Other publications are also available online or can be requested from Medicare by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE.
Medicare's website (Medicare.gov) also provides comparison information on all Advantage Plans as well as the many Part D Prescription Drug options.
Be sure to research the best plan for each individual. It is NOT required for spouses to have the same plans. This is especially true of the Part D Prescription coverage. The choice should be based on the best finacial savings plan for the individual.
Beneficiaries in need of
can research comparison data for local facilites and agencies from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) website.
Do your homework and find the best plans for your 2007 coverage now. Compare premiums, out-of-pocket expenses, coverage restrictions and avoid the Doughnut Hole.
Note that some employer and union group coverage under Medicare is restricted by employer or unions. Check with your local group first if this pertains to your coverage!
