Medicare Questions

                                         Some important questions I'm asked this time of year.

1. I have a Medicare Advantage plan that doesn't fit my current needs. My RX co-pays have jumped since the first of the year. Do I still have an option to change plans?

Yes. If your RX co-pays have jumped since the beginning of the year, you might still have options!

During the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (Jan 1 – Mar 31), you can:     

   *Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan.     

   * Drop your plan and go back to Original Medicare (and add a Part D plan if needed).

Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) may also apply if you’ve had certain life changes.

⭐ And don’t forget about the 5-Star Special Enrollment Period if there’s a top-rated plan available in your area.

2. I'm turning 65 in the next couple of months. When can I sign up for Medicare and what are my options?

If you’re approaching your 65th birthday, congratulations! Along with the celebration, it’s also time to start thinking about your healthcare coverage through Medicare. Understanding when and how to enroll, as well as the coverage options available, is essential to avoid unnecessary penalties and ensure you’re getting the best plan for your needs.

                                                       When Can You Sign Up?

Your first chance to enroll in Medicare is during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP).     

*This period lasts 7 months.   

*It begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after.

Example: If your birthday is in June, your IEP runs from March 1 to September 30.

                                                    What Are Your Medicare Options?

You have several options to choose from when enrolling in Medicare:    

                                                    1. Original Medicare (Parts A & B)

Part A: Hospital insurance (most people get this premium-free if they paid Medicare taxes while working)     

Part B: Medical insurance (requires a monthly premium).

Does not include prescription drug coverage 

                                                           Medicare Advantage (Part C):     

*An alternative to Original Medicare that bundles Parts A & B and often includes  

                                                     Part D (prescription drug coverage).     

*May offer additional benefits like dental, vision, and wellness programs.     

*Plans are provided by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.          

                                                2. Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D):    

 *Standalone plans that provide prescription drug coverage for those on Original Medicare.  

Requires a separate premium.     

                                            3.  Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap):    

* Private insurance designed to help cover out-of-pocket costs not paid by Original Medicare (like deductibles and coinsurance).  

*Not compatible with Medicare Advantage plans

                                                          Important Considerations:    

*Enroll on time to avoid late enrollment penalties, especially for Part B and Part D.     

*Compare your options to ensure you choose the plan that best meets your health and budget needs.   

 3. I am moving and will have to change doctors, or, I am moving and I don't know if my current Medicare plan will continue to work. What are my options?

If you’re moving and worried about your Medicare coverage, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to change your plan. Here’s what you can do:     

*Check if your current plan is available in your new area.     

*Change your plan if it's not available or if you find a better fit.

You have up to 2 months after your move to make changes.

I know Medicare can be confusing. Talk to a professional whose only motivation is to make life a bit easier while you navigate through the challenges of Medicare!                             

                                                               Need Help Enrolling?

Understanding your Medicare options doesn’t have to be confusing. Contact me today to explore your choices and find the plan that’s right for you! 

                       I'm here to help make your Medicare journey as smooth as possible.

Thank you Rick

Rick Peterson, Independent Agent, Bilhartz Desert Insurance Agency CA License #OE5292928

949-677-3864  rick@bilhartzinsurance.com
 

How to Enroll in Medicare Advantage During OEP

The process of enrolling in Medicare Advantage during the Open Enrollment Period is straightforward. Here are the steps:

1. Review Your Current Coverage:

     If you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, take time to review your current plan. Is it meeting your needs in terms of coverage and costs? Are you satisfied with the network of providers?     

2.  Compare Available Plans: Use the Medicare Plan Finder Tool (available on the official Medicare website) to compare different Medicare Advantage plans in your area. Look for the coverage you need, such as prescription drug coverage, specialist care, and other benefits like dental or vision care. Be sure to consider factors like monthly premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket limits.     

3.  Contact the Plan Provider: Once you've selected a plan that meets your needs, contact the insurance company offering the Medicare Advantage plan to begin your enrollment. Alternatively, you can enroll online or through a licensed Medicare insurance agent, such as myself.

4.  Enroll in the Plan: Once you’ve gathered all the information, fill out your enrollment form and submit it to the insurance provider. After your enrollment is confirmed, you’ll receive an ID card and details about your coverage.     

5.  Wait for Confirmation: After you submit your enrollment, you’ll receive a confirmation letter from the insurance company. It’s important to review this carefully to ensure the information is correct.

Important Considerations     

  *Make Sure You Understand Plan Rules: 

Medicare Advantage plans often require you to use a specific network of doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies. If you choose a plan with a limited network, ensure your current doctors and preferred hospitals are included.  

  *Understand Costs and Coverage:  

  *While premiums might be lower than Original Medicare, some plans can have higher out-of-pocket costs. Review the co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums to ensure the plan fits your budget.    

  *Check Prescription Drug Coverage: If you need prescription drugs, make sure the Medicare Advantage plan you select includes Part D (drug coverage) and that your medications are covered.

Final Thoughts

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is a valuable opportunity to adjust your health care coverage. Whether you’re looking to switch plans or join Medicare Advantage for the first time, the OEP provides the flexibility to find the right plan for your needs. Just be sure to take the time to compare plans carefully, understand the details of coverage, and choose the one that best fits your health and financial situation.

If you’re unsure about how to navigate the process or which plan is right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to a licensed Medicare insurance agent who can provide guidance and help you make an informed decision.

Need More Help? If you're ready to start exploring your Medicare Advantage options or need assistance with enrollment, feel free to contact me at rick@bilhartzinsurance or at 949-677-3864.  I’m here to guide you through the process and make sure you get the coverage you need during this important enrollment window.

Rick Peterson

Independent Insurance Broker

rick@bilhartzinsurance.com

CA license  #OE52928

949-677-3864

Thank you Rick for this very informative articles.  It makes it very clear to me and i am sure to others.

Enrolling in Medicare Advantage During Open Enrollment Period (OEP): A Complete Guide.

If you're nearing your 65th birthday, or if you already have Medicare, you may have heard about the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP). But what does it mean, and how can you make the most of it? This blog post will walk you through everything you need to know about enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan during the OEP, including key dates, eligibility requirements, and how to make the right choices for your health care. 

What is Medicare Advantage?

 Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). These plans are offered by private insurance companies and provide all of the coverage available through Original Medicare, plus additional benefits like prescription drug coverage (Part D), dental, vision, and wellness services.

Medicare Advantage plans often come with lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs, making them an attractive option for many beneficiaries. However, they also have certain restrictions, like using a network of doctors and health providers, so it’s important to evaluate your options carefully.

What is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP)?

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) runs from January 1 to March 31 each year. This period gives you a chance to make changes to your Medicare coverage, including enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan or switching between plans. 

OEP is not to be confused with the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which occurs in the fall, or the Special Enrollment Period (SEP), which occurs when specific life events happen. The OEP is specific to those already enrolled in Medicare, so it’s primarily for people who:   

  * Are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and want to switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare.

    *Are enrolled in Original Medicare and wish to switch to a Medicare Advantage Plan. *

Key Benefits of Enrolling in Medicare Advantage During OEP1.     

  1. More Coverage Options: Medicare Advantage plans often provide coverage for benefits not included in Original Medicare, such as vision, hearing, dental, and even fitness programs. You can also get Part D prescription drug coverage with most Medicare Advantage plans.

  2. Lower Out-of-Pocket Costs: Many Medicare Advantage plans offer lower premiums than Original Medicare, though you’ll still have some costs (like copayments or coinsurance) depending on the plan.

  3. Freedom to Switch Plans: If you’re dissatisfied with your current Medicare Advantage plan, OEP is the time to explore your options. You can switch plans without waiting for the next annual enrollment window.     

  4. Prescription Drug Coverage: Most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage, which means you won’t need a separate Part D plan. This can simplify your health insurance and reduce your costs. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 Who is Eligible for Medicare Advantage During OEP?

To be eligible to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during OEP, you must meet the following criteria:     

  *You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B: If you’re eligible for Medicare, you are automatically enrolled in Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance), unless you opt out.

   *You must live in the service area of the plan you wish to enroll in: Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies and have specific geographic service areas. Make sure the plan you want to join operates in your area.     

    *You must not have end-stage renal disease (ESRD): In general, individuals with ESRD are not eligible for Medicare Advantage plans, but there are exceptions in certain circumstances.

***To be continued February 15, 2025

Annual Enrollment Period, AEP
**When:  October 15th to December 7th each year.
**What: The time to make changes to your Medicare plans, such as switching between Medicare Advantage plans or adding/dropping a Part D prescription drug plan.  This is your opportunity to review your current coverage and make adjustments to ensure it aligns with you changing needs and budget.

Open Enrollment Period, OEP
**When: January 1st to March 31st each year.
**What:  A limited time to switch Medicare Advantage plans, but you can't return to the Original Medicare or change your Part D.  This is a good time to compare plans and find one that offers better benefits or lower costs.

Initial Enrollment Period, IEP
**When: Three months before you turn 65, your birthday month, and three months after.
**What: The time to first enroll in Medicare Parts A & B, a Medicare Advantage plan, or a Part D plan.  This is  crucial because you may face late enrollment penalties if you don't enroll during your IEP.

Key Points:
**Timing is critical.  Avoid late enrollment penalties by enrolling during your IEP.
**Consult with a professional.  A Medicare specialist can help you understand your options and choose the best plan for your circumstances.
**Review your coverage regularly.  Your health needs and Medicare plan may change over time.  It's important to review your coverage annually to ensure it continues to meet your needs.

Additional Considerations:
**Medicare Advantage Plans:  These plans combine Part A, B, and sometimes Part D into a single plan.  They often offer additional benefits like prescription drug coverage, vision, dental and hearing aids.  
**Part D Prescription Drug Plans:  If you don't have a Medicare Advantage plan, you'll need a Part D plan to cover your prescription drug costs.
**Medigap plans:  These plans can help fill in the gaps of original Medicare.  They can cover deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.

Quick Guide to Medicare Enrollment, Part 2

When choosing a Medicare plan, consider the following factors:

**Your health needs:  Do you have chronic health conditions that require specialized care?

**Your budget:  How much are you willing to spend on premiums, deductibles, and copays?

**Your lifestyle:  Do you travel frequently or need extra benefits like vision or dental coverage?

**Your future plans:  Are you planning to retire soon or move to a different location?  Some

    Medicare plans may have geographic restrictions or limitations on certain services.

Making the most of your enrollment periods:

**Research and compare plans.  Use online tools or consult with a Medicare specialist to compare different plans and find the best option for you. 

**Consider your future needs.  Think about your long-term health goals and choose a plan that can accommodate your changing needs.

**Be proactive.  Don't wait until the last minute to enroll.  Plan ahead and take advantage of your enrollment periods.

**Stay informed.  Stay up to date on changes to Medicare plans and enrollment rules.  You can find information on the Medicare.gov website or by contacting a Medicare specialist.

Additional tips: 

** Review your coverage annually.  Even if you don't need to make changes to your plan, it's important to review your coverage regularly to ensure it continues to meet your needs.

**Consider a Medicare Advantage plan with a health maintenance organization, HMO, or preferred provider organization, PPO network.  These plans ay offer lower premiums and copays, but they may also have more restrictions on the doctors and hospitals you can see. 

**If you have a chronic health condition, look for a Medicare Advantage plan that specializes in that condition.  These plans may offer additional benefits or services that can help you manage your condition.

Period                                                       When Is It?                                   What You Can Do

Initial Enrollment Period                       3 months before you turn 65            Enroll in Parts A and B

IEP                                                             the month of, and the 3                   for the first time

                                                                  months after

Annual Election Period                           October 15 to December                 Enroll in, change, or drop a Part

AEP                                                           7 every year                                      D or Medicare Advantage plan

General Enrollment Period                     January 1 to March 31                     Enroll in Part A and/or Part B

GEP                                                            every year, coverage is                     if you missed your IEP and don't

                                                                  delayed until July1                            qualify for a SEP                  

Medicare Advantage Open                     January 1 to March 31                      Switch to another Medicare 

Enrollment                                                                                                         Advantage plan or enroll in 

MADEP                                                                                                                Original Medicare with a 

                                                                                                                             part D Drug plan

Special Enrollment Period                        Anytime you have a qualifying        Apply for Parts A and B.

SEP                                                              event, ie delaying Medicare             There are also SEPs for                                                                                                         past 65,                        C and D plans.  You have 2                                                                                                                                         months to enroll in either.

Medigap                                                   6 months before and after 6               Purchase any Medigap plan

                                                                  months after your part B                    without answering health                                                                              effective date.                                                          questions.

**The AEP is for those who already have Original Medicare.

Rick Peterson

Independent Insurance Broker

CA License#0E52928

949-677-3864 cell

rick@bilhartzinsurance.com

*****This is my friend, but you could not ask for a more honorable person with unequalled sincerity.

Please contact him if you have any questions.

**

Annual Enrollment Period  (SEP)

**When: October 15th to December 7th each year

**What:  The time to make changes to your Medicare plans, such as switching between Medicare Advantage plans or adding/dropping a Part D prescription plan.  This is your opportunity to review your current coverage and make adjustments to ensure it aligns with your changing needs and budget.

Open Enrollment Period (OEP)

**When: January 1st to March 31st each year

**What: A limited time to switch Medicare Advantage plans, but you can't return to Original Medicare or change your Part D.  This is a good time to compare plans and find one that offers better benefits or lower costs.

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

**When:  Three months before you turn 65, your birthday month, and three months after.

**What:  The time to first enroll in Medicare Parts A & B, a Medicare Advantage plan, or a Part D plan.  This is crucial because you may face late enrollment penalties if you don't enroll during your IEP.

Key Points:

**Timing is critical.  Avoid late enrollment penalties  by enrolling during your IEP.

**Consult with a professional.  A Medicare specialist can help you understand your options and choose the best plan for your circumstances. 

**Review your coverage regularly.  Your health needs and  Medicare plans may change over time.  It's important to review your coverage annually to ensure it continues to meet your needs.

Additional considerations:

**Medicare Advantage Plans:  These plans combine Part A & B, and sometimes Part D into a single plan.  They often offer additional benefits like prescription drug coverage, vision , dental and hearing aids.

**Part D prescription drug plans:  If you don't have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you'll need a Part D plan to cover your prescription drug costs.

Medigap plans:  These plans can help fill in the gaps of  Original Medicare.  They can cover deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.

 This is Part 1.  Part 2 available on site Saturday, Sept. 28th.

Thanks to Rick Peterson, Independent Insurance Broker, rick@bilhartzinsurance.com, 949-677-3864

*It is never too early to prepare for open enrollment with Medicare.  We are lucky to have a Licensed Broker contribute information so you don't have to approach "that time" without sound knowledge of what you are going to sign up for.  Hope this helps.

In this blog you will get a general 30,000-foot view of the difference between the different Medicare enrollment periods. 

1.  What is the Medicare AEP?

     *The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)occurs between October 15 til December 7 each year.

     *During this time, beneficiaries can make changes to their Medicare health or drug plans.

2.  Changes You Can Make:

     *Participants can switch, add, or drop plans during the AEP.

     *Any changes made during this period take effect on January 1 of the following year.

3.  *Initial Enrollment Period, (IEP):

     * Most people sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B when they turn age 65

     *No penalties apply during the IEP.

     *If you're already covered by an employer group health plan, you might delay signing up for Part B.

4.   Special Enrollment Period (SEP):

      *If you've been covered by an employer group health plan, you have an SEP.

      *Sign up for Part B within 8 months of stopping work or when the group health plan ends.

      *Coverage begins the month after enrollment.

5.    General Enrollment Period (GEP)

       If you miss other enrollment periods, the GEP runs from January 1 to March 31.

       There is typically a lifelong penalty for signing up during the GEP.

Thank you Rick Peterson, Independent Licensed Broker, Ca License #OE52928

rick@billhartzinsurance.com

949-677-3864 cell

The rules for getting care may change for a short time in areas where one of these has happened:

*The President has declared it an emergency or disaster.  Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, or call 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) to see if your area is affected (TTY 1-800-462-7585).

*A governor has declared it an emergency or disaster.  Visit your state government's website to find out if your area is affected.

*The Secretary of the Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS0 has declared a public health emergency.  Visit the HHS Public Health Emergency website.  Or call us at 1-800-MEDICARE) 1-800-633-4227 to find out if your are is affected.

Idea:  Cut this out and put on the inside of a cabinet with easy access.  Should something happen, you may not remember these numbers.

FOR THOSE OF US AT A CERTAIN AGE (OR FOR THOSE WHO ARE RAPIDLY APPROACHING THIS CERTAIN

AGE), THE TERM 'MEDICARE" CAN STRIKE FEAR OR, AT THE VERY LEAST, CONCERNS AND QUESTIONS.

WHAT ARE MY CHOICES?

WHICH CHOICE IS BEST FOR ME?

HOW ABOUT MY COVERAGE IF I SPEND TIME ABROAD?

BUT HOW CAN I MAXIMIZE MY MEDICARE BENEFITS?

WITH THE COST OF PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUMS ON A STEADY RISE, MOST OF US LOOK

FORWARD TO BECOMING ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICARE.  TODAY, LET'S START AT THE BEGINNING AND TAKE A

LOOK AT A 30,000 FOOT OVERVIEW OF MEDICARE CHOICES WITH A GOAL OF HELPING TO DE-MISTIFY THE

WORLD OF MEDICARE!

ORIGINAL MEDICARE OR STRAIGHT MEDICARE, IN IT'S MOST BASIC FORM INCLUDES MEDICARE PART A AND

MEDICARE PART B.

PART A COVERS INTPATIENT SERVICES SUCH AS DOCTOR SERVICES, SKILLED NURSING CARE, HOSPICE AND

SOME HOME HEALTH CARE.

PART B COVERS OUTPATIENT SERVICES SUCH AS DOCTOR SERVICES, .

ORIGINAL MEDICARE BENEFITS ARE SUBJECT TO AN ANNUAL DEDUCTIBLE AS WELL AS OTHER COST

SHARING. 

MEDICARE PART B PREMIUMS ARE TYPICALLY DEDUCTED FROM YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFIT AND THE

AMOUNT VARIES DEPENDING ON INCOME.  IF YOU ARE NOT COLLECTING SOCIAL SECURITY YOU WILL HAVE

TO PAY THE PART B PREMIUM DIRECTLY. 

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ORIGINAL MEDICARE

1.  MEDICARE IS PORTABLE ONLY IN THE US.  ANY DOCTOR, MEDICAL CLINIC OR HOSPITAL THAT ACCEPTS

    MEDICARE ASSIGNMENT WILL BILL MEDICARE DIRECTLY FOR THEIR SERVICES.

                                                                       HOWEVER

   A.   MEDICARE IS ONLY VALID IN THE US AND US TERRITORIES.  MEDICARE WILL NOT COVER ROUTINE

         MEDICAL CARE INTERNATIONALLY.

   B.   MEDICARE PAYS 80% OF THE COVERED MEDICAL EXPENSES, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR 20%.

   C.   THERE IS AN ANNUAL DEDUCTIBLE THAT MUST BE SATISFIED.

   D.  MEDICARE LIMITS THE DAYS OF HOSPITAL STAYS AND SKILLED NURSING CARE.

   E.   PRESCRIPTION BENEFITS ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH MEDICARE PART D FOR AN EXTRA PREMIUM AND  

        OTHER COST SHARING BASED ON YOUR MEDICATION.  

                            THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTS (MEDIGAP PLANS)

1.  MEDIGAP PLANS ARE DESIGNED TO "FILL THE GAP" BETWEEN WHAT MEDICARE PAYS AND WHAT YOU

    WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR (ANNUAL DEDUCTIBLE AND COINSURANCE)  IN OTHER WORDS, IF YOU ARE

    HOSPITALIZED AND THE TOTAL COVERED BILL IS $100,000, MEDICARE WILL PAY $80,000, AND THE                  MEDIGAP

   PLAN PICKS UP THE DIFFERENCE, USUALLY WITH A SMALLER, PRE-DETERMINED CO-PAYMENT.  MEDIGAP

   PLANS ARE PORTABLE IN THE US, LIKE MEDICARE.

                                                                    HOWEVER 

   A.  MOST MEDIGAP PLANS COVER FOREIGN TRAVEL EMERGENCY SERVICES BUT CAP THE LIFETIME 

          BENEFITSTO $50,OOO.

   B.  FOREIGN TRAVEL EMERGENCY SERVICES ARE PAID ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS.

   C.  MEDIGAP PLANS COSTS CAN BE FAIRLY EXPENSIVE.

                                      THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT MEDICARE ADVANTAGE

1.  MEDICARE ADVANTAGE (OR MEDICARE PART C) REPLACES ORIGINAL MEDICARE WITH A PRIVATE

    INSURER, TYPICALLY AS AN HMO (MANAGED CARE) OR PPO PLAN.

2. MEDICARE ADVANTAGE HMO ALLOWS YOU TO ASSIGN A LOCAL PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN AS YOUR

   "MEDICAL MANAGER" OR GATEKEEPER TO MEDICAL SERVICES.  YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR PRIMARY CARE

    PHYSICIAN MONTH TO MONTH.

3. BECAUSE MANAGED CARE INCLUDES MANY PATIENT WELLNESS BENEFITS, THE LONG-TERM COST OF

   CARE IS REDUCED, SO THERE ARE MANY BENEFITS INCLUDED SUCH AS PRESCRIPTION BENEFITS, HEARING

   AND DENTAL BENEFITS, WELLNESS PROGRAMS PROVIDED BY YOUR MEDICAL GROUP, ETC.

4. MANY MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS ARE PROVIDED WITH NO ADDITIONAL PREMIUM ABOVE YOUR

   MEDICARE PREMIUM.

5. UNLIKE MOST MEDIGAP PLANS, MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS COVER FOREIGN TRAVEL EMERGENCY

   SERVICES. THERE IS AN ANNUAL LIMIT, TYPICALLY NO LESS THAN TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS.

   THERE IS NO LIFETIME CAP.

                                                                   HOWEVER

   A.  BECAUSE MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS REQUIRE ASSIGNMENT TO A LOCAL PHYSICIAN/MEDICAL

       GROUP, YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO HAVE ROUTINE DOCTOR VISITS DONE BY YOUR PRIMARY

       PHYSICIAN. THEREFORE THESE PLANS ARE LESS PORTABLE IN THE US.

   B.  ANY COVERED INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL EXPENSE IS PAID ON A REIMBURSEMENT BASIS.

 I SINCERELY HOPE THIS INFORMATION IS HELPFUL.  WE WILL BE EXPLORING DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF MEDICARE IN THE COMING BLOGS.  IN THE MEANTIME, FEEL FREE TO REACH OUT WITH SPECIFIC VEXING QUESTIONS.

COURTESY OF RICK PETERSON

INDEPENDENT INSURANCE BROKER

1-949-677-3864

How to Enroll in Medicare Advantage During OEP

The process of enrolling in Medicare Advantage during the Open Enrollment Period is straightforward.  Here are the steps:

1.  Review your Current Coverage.  If you already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, take time to review your current plan.  Is it meeting your needs in terms of coverage and costs?  Are you satisfied with the network of providers?

2.  Compare Available Plans.  Use the Medicare Plan Finder tool, (available on the official Medicare website) to compare different Medicare Advantage plans in your area.  Look for the coverage you need, such as prescription drug coverage, specialist care, and other benefits like dental or vision care.  Be sure to consider factors like monthly premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket limits.

3.  Contact the Plan Provider:  Once you've selected a plan that meets your needs, contact the insurance company offering the Medicare Advantage plan to begin your enrollment .  Alternatively, you can enroll online or through a licensed Medicare insurance agent, such as myself.