The Medicare Advantage open enrollment is open until March 31, according to Sherri Bush at the Area Agency on Aging.
You can only use this enrollment period if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, Bush said. From Jan. 1 to March 31 each year, you can switch from your Medicare Advantage Plan (excluding Medical Savings Accounts, cost plans and PACE) to another Medicare Advantage Plan or to Original Medicare with or without a stand-alone prescription drug plan.
“Before making any changes, make sure you know how changing health and drug coverage will affect you, such as if you switch to Original Medicare and want to purchase a Medigap,” Bush said.
Depending on where you live, you may be able to buy a Medigap policy, which helps pay Original Medicare costs. Limitations apply as to who can buy a Medigap and when.
Changes made during this period are effective the first day of the following month. For example, if you switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare and a stand-alone Part D plan on Feb. 10, your new coverage will begin March 1.
For more information, contact Bush at 1 (888) 617-0500 or email her at sherri.bush@atrc.net.
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