Medicare Open Enrollment
This is the first blog in a three part series on the Medicare open enrollment period for Medicare Parts A, B, C and D.
The Medicare annual open enrollment period began on November 15, 2010 and runs through December 31, 2010. This is the only opportunity you will have to make changes to your Medicare plans for 2011 so it is essential to take advantage of this time frame.
During the Open Enrollment period, current or newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries, including people with Original Medicare, can review current health and prescription drug coverage, compare health and drug plan options available in their area, and choose coverage that best meet their needs.
Navigating the Medicare enrollment process can be an overwhelming and daunting task for many seniors and their families. Fortunately, a wealth of resources are available to assist you in determining your coverage needs and comparing available plans.
Resources for Medicare Beneficiaries
- Visit http://www.medicare.gov/. Personalized comparisons of costs and coverage plans available in your area. Multilingual Open Enrollment information and counseling is available.
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for around-the-clock assistance to find out more about coverage options. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.
- Review the 2011 Medicare & You handbook. It is also accessible at www.medicare.gov and has been mailed to the homes of people with Medicare benefits.
- Contact your local Elder Service Plan (ESP) for free one-on-one assistance from a SHINE (Serving Health Information Needs of Elders) Counselor. In the Somerville/Cambridge area your local Elder Service Plan is Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services, 61 Medford Street, Somerville, MA 02143-3429, 617-628-2601
- Get one-on-one counseling assistance from the local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Local SHIP contact information can be found:
- At http://www.medicare.gov/contacts/organization-search-criteria.asp
- On the back of the 2011 Medicare & You handbook or;
- By calling Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY, 1-877-486-2048)
- Through a listing of national stand-alone prescription drug plans and state specific fact sheets can be found at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/center/openenrollment.asp
The new health care reform act has broadened Medicare coverage starting in January of 2011. So even though the holidays can be a very hectic time, it is important to start the open enrollment process now to ensure your plan includes the most comprehensive coverage available to you.
Nothing is more important than your health.
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Michelle Mulvena is an attorney at Moschella & Winston, a law firm specializing in legal planning and protection for individuals and families for over 30 years. She is also host of the Somerville Cable TV show, “Legally Speaking with Michelle Mulvena.” Please contact her at mm@moschellawinston.com or (617) 776-3300.
