Even though Medicare Open Enrollment ended in
December, the annual Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is actually
going on right now. (January 1 until March 31, 2020). This is an opportunity
for those who are currently enrolled in Medicare Advantage to change plans. You
might question the need, seeing as we just went through the Open Enrollment
Period (October 15-December). There are two reasons to participate.
1. Perhaps you are not sure that you found the
best plan.
The 2019 Open Enrollment Period was fraught
with issues related to the new Medicare
Plan Finder.
The tool was changing almost every day, with
updated navigation and results. There were inconsistencies in the information.
If that left you feeling uneasy, now is the time to try again and find the best
plan.
2. Or, maybe you didn’t participate in Open
Enrollment, which means your Medicare Advantage plan renewed automatically on
January 1.
That may not be the best result for you. 2020
ushered in more choices, including a wider range of zero-premium plans and
those with lower out-of-pocket maximum limits. There were also significant
changes in prescription drug formularies and costs.
What you need to know
During the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
Period, you can
·
Switch to another
Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage, known as a MA-PD plan.
·
Switch to a Medicare
Advantage plan without prescription drug coverage.
·
Drop the Advantage
plan and return to Part A and Part B automatically with the option to enroll in
a stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan.
Those who choose to drop (disenroll from)
Medicare Advantage will probably want to consider a Medigap policy (Medicare
supplement insurance). Without this coverage, they would face unlimited
out-of-pocket costs, like 20% of any outpatient service, such as chemotherapy
or doctors’ visits. However, in all but four states (NY, CT, MA, and ME),
beneficiaries may be subject to medical underwriting. That’s because
disenrolling from a Medicare Advantage plan during this open enrollment period
does not reinstate the guaranteed issue right to get a Medicare supplement.
Those with pre-existing medical conditions may not be able to get a Medicare
supplement or, if they do, they’ll likely pay higher premiums.
How you proceed depends on what you decide to
do.
·
If you’re going to
switch to a new Medicare Advantage plan, simply contact your chosen plan and
complete the enrollment process. You’ll be disenrolled automatically from your
current plan and the new plan will take effect the first day of the next
month.
·
If you want to
disenroll from Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare, call
Medicare ((800) 633-4227). After that, enroll in a Part D drug plan. If a
supplement is on your list, it’s a good idea to start the process before
dropping the Advantage plan, just in case your application is denied. If you
can’t get a supplement or it’s too costly, consider another Medicare Advantage
plan or prepare to pay unlimited medical bills.
Here’s what you cannot do during the Medicare
Advantage Open Enrollment Period:
·
Enroll in a Medicare
Advantage plan.
·
Enroll in a Part D
prescription drug plan
·
Change to a different
Part D drug plan.
Also know that this open enrollment period
does not apply to those with Medicare Medical Savings Account (MSA) or other
types of plans, such as Medicare cost plans.
Those with Medicare Advantage plans have a
second chance to find the best coverage. But, take action before March 31 or
you’ll be stuck until next year.
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