Enrollment Time
By Patte Smith
Remember, Medicare open enrollment and the chance to make changes to your 2020 Medicare plan ends on December 7.
Medicare’s open enrollment period started October 15 and continues until December 7. During this time, individuals who qualify for Medicare can enroll in health and drug plans for 2020.
Individuals who qualified in 2019 and those already enrolled in Medicare coverage should have already received the new Medicare & You handbook. It has information about Medicare coverage, as well as Medicare plans. If you have not received the handbook, it is available online at www.medicare.gov/forms-help-resources/medicare-you-handbook/download-medicare-you-in-different-formats.
If you are already enrolled, it is important to review your current coverage. Plans change and needs change. Carefully review any materials and changes in costs or coverage that will happen in 2020, then decide if your current Medicare coverage will meet your needs for the year ahead.
The new and improved Medicare Plan Finder makes it easier to compare coverage options and shop for plans.
Visit www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/#/?lang=en to preview the 2020 Medicare plans. Members who already have a Medicare account number or those who need to create an account, visit www.mymedicare.gov/ to create or access a list of your medications, compare your current plan to others, and see prices based on any help you get with drug costs.
