Open enrollment for Medicare begins in October

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – Open enrollment for Medicare begins October 15th.

This is the time for people on or eligible for Medicare to review their plans and choose the best coverage for them.

Medicare recipients should have received an annual change letter from their insurance companies in September. This letter will inform recipients of any changes to their insurance coverage for the coming year.

“It’s important to review these letters immediately so you can make sure everything is covered for the new year,” said Amy Thigpen, aging and disability resource coordinator for the South Central Alabama Development Commission.

Once Medicare open enrollment begins, Medicare recipients will have the following options:

Cancel a Medicare Advantage plan
Cancel your Part D plan
Enroll in a Part D plan
Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to another plan
Switch from Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan
Switch from one Part D prescription drug plan to another

“It is important to review this and make changes as there may be changes in the coverage area or changes to plans that may impact medications that are not intended to be covered next year and people need to ensure that “They have a plan that covers all of these things,” Thigpen said.

If you need help evaluating available plans, contact the Alabama State Health Insurance Assistance Program can help. They have certified counselors and volunteers who can guide you step by step through the registration process. They can be reached at 1-800-243-5463.

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