Open Enrollment PeriodMedicare Open Enrollment Is Also Known As Medicare Annual Election Period 

Medicare Open Enrollment is when people may make changes to their Medicare plan.  Medicare Open Enrollment is also called Annual Election Period or AEP. That is the new official name Medicare Open Enrollment.  Annual Election Period (AEP) is when you can change your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan or your Medicare Part C Medicare Advantage plan.  AEP is from October 15th–December 7th.  A lot of people blow this opportunity.  They don’t check to see if they have the best plan for their needs and situation for the coming year.  BIG MISTAKE.  For some people with serious health issues and medication needs, HUGE MISTAKE!

There are a thousand complaints the day after Medicare Open Enrollment (Annual Election Period), December 8th. People offer a myriad of  excuses–It’s the agent’s fault,’ ‘I was too busy to deal with it,’  ‘The dog ate my Medicare card.’  The number of phone calls I get on December 8th is amazing–mostly non-clients.  They are hoping to find a Medicare-fairy-godmother to save them from their negligence.  Sorry, there is no Medicare-fairy-godmother!

When January 1st arrives and the new plan year begins, people may find out their plan does not cover one or more medications, or the price of one of their drugs went through the roof. Now they have a deductible on their plan they didn’t have before, a medication moved to a higher tier, or their doctor is no longer in-network.  Their Medicare situation is a disaster because they didn’t double-check during the Medicare Open Enrollment / Annual Election Period (AEP).

What are the most significant problems created by not reviewing your Medicare plan during Medicare Open Enrollment / Annual Election Period (AEP)?

Medicare Open EnrollmentFormulary Check During Medicare Open Enrollment 

During Medicare Open Enrollment /Annual Election Period (AEP), insurance companies determine the medications on their approved list of drugs in the formularies that service their Medicare Part D prescription drug plans and the Part C Medicare Advantage plans.

Some years, they drop certain medications altogether.  In other years, they might shift the medications from a lower to a higher tier.

The result is you may end up paying more for your prescription drugs.  In some cases, a lot more.  Checking the formulary and comparing it to the other plans in the area is a straightforward but essential process.

During Medicare Open Enrollment / Annual Election Period (AEP), reviewing medications is a big part of what we do.  I sometimes have to arm-twist clients to send me their current list ofMedicare Open Enrollment Period medications.  Some will tell me that they don’t need to do anything because their medications have not changed, but I try to remind them it doesn’t matter.  The insurance companies change their formularies.

Over the years, I have had clients neglect their reviews and end up with substantial prescription drug bills as a consequence.  Your agent should thoroughly check your medications with dosages each AEP. 

Medicare Open Enrollment Double Check Physician Directories

The Medicare Advantage plan manages your care.  That means that an insurance company under the supervision of Medicare is making determinations about your care.  As part of that program, they have doctors contracted with the plan.  Some doctors and hospitals are not contracted.  DoctorsAnnual Election Period may change their credentialing.

It is important to double-check to ensure your doctor is still in-network during Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP) / Medicare Open Enrollment.

We have three medical networks in the Omaha, Lincoln, and Council Bluffs area.  The vast majority of medical professionals are part of one or more of these networks.  The networks work with the local Medicare Advantage plans. Doctor access is not an issue.

I have clients, however, throughout the U.S., and the other plans are not as generous in the number of in-network medical professionals.  Checking the directory to make sure your physicians are still in-network every year is critical during Annual Election Period (AEP) / Medicare Open Enrolment.

Medicare Open Enrollment Review CoPays

With Medicare Advantage plans, copays may change from year to year.  This AEP saw very little change among the plans around here.  I suspect that was because the plans determined prices in the Spring of the preceding year.

The inflation we are experiencing right now was not a factor in the 2022 planning.  I think 2023 will be a different ball game.Annual Election Period

Copays can change each year, so you need to review those changes.  For example, the cost of MRIs may jump on your plan to the extent you want to change to another plan.  Sometimes plans will drop benefits that Medicare does not require, like dental.

I’ve seen plans in the past drop benefits like dental.  Beneficiaries don’t imagine their plan could ever change.  The lack of coverage and the price tag associated with that shocks clients.

Re-Explain The Donut Hole

AEPThe dreaded Donut Hole or Gap!  The Donut Hole is still there.  I’ve seen the burden of drug costs lighten for some of my clients, but it is still expensive when people fall into the Donut Hole.

If you are on expensive medications that drive you into the Gap, checking your medications for the level of Gap coverage is essential.  While no plan eliminates the cost, some plans are structured, so you pay less than other plans.  Some plans delay going into the Gap longer, or other plans even out the cost because of a zero deductible.

If drug costs are an issue for you, look at the various Part D, and Part C plans side-by-side to determine which payment schedule would benefit your wallet during Medicare Open Enrollment.

Have A Conversation About Your Travel Plans

Annual Election Period AEPMany clients on Medicare like to travel.  Their grandkids are scattered throughout the country.  Friends moved to warmer clients, or getting out of town is just great.  Other clients have semi-permanent homes in Arizona, Florida, and Texas.  Medicare is a federal program.  It exists from sea to shining sea in the U.S.  The Medigap policies that company them work anywhere in the U.S. too.  (Medicare. however, does not leave the borders of the U.S.)

Medicare Advantage plans, however, are set up for a particular area or region.  The HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans onlyOpen Enrollment Period include doctors and hospitals in that area.  Emergencies are a different matter.  Emergency visits are covered anywhere in the country.  Some insurance companies with HMO plans also have national networks, so you can still get in-network services and prices outside of your geographic region for ordinary services.

For those who travel a lot and especially those who stay for long periods away from home, I highly recommend the PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans.  You may go to doctors and hospitals outside the network as long as they take Medicare.  Out-of-network copays may be more, but you have the convenience and security of going anywhere that accepts Medicare.

You can change your Medicare Advantage plan during Medicare Open Enrollment even if you are out of the area.  There is email, U.S. mail, text, and even voice signatures.

Changing Circumstances Makes Medicare Open Enrollment Critical

Over the years, I have had client reevaluate their situation during Medicare Open Enrollment or AEP.  Those paying enormous amounts in monthly Medigap premium look to switch to a Medicare Advantage plan.

The amount of money they pay in premium very quickly covers any copays.  Others anticipate more medical costs as they age, switching to Medigap plans.  Medicare Open Enrollment or AEP is the time to review your ever-changing circumstances and adjust accordingly.

Save Money On Medigap Quote Anytime, Not Just During Medicare Open Enrollment

While Medicare supplements are not geared toward Medicare Open Enrollment or AEP exclusively, it is still an excellent time to look at your pricing.  Running Medigap quotes only takes a few moments. I can tell you in a minute if you have the lowest price for Plan G or Plan N in your area.  We can then make adjustments accordingly.

omaha Nebraska medicare insurance agent

Christopher Grimmond

Medicare planning is not a one-and-done deal.  As you change, Medicare changes and the Medicare plans change.  You need to make the adjustments that best fit your needs and circumstances at that time.

Ignore Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP) October 5th–December 7th at your peril or not.

 

What Our Clients Are Saying About Omaha Insurance Solutions

Steve S.

When it came time for me to enroll in Medicare, I had no idea what the process was or what types of coverage to expect. Christopher at Omaha Insurance Solutions took care of all of those questions and alleviated any anxiety with the process. His patience is outstanding and is outdone only by his knowledge of the products he represents. His services cost nothing, and he advocated for the best plan to fit my specific needs. I highly recommend Omaha Insurance Solutions when looking for answers to Medicare questions.

Paul K

The Medicare decision process was overwhelming for me. Chris and Angi did an exceptional job of laying out pros and cons for each option and patiently listened to my concerns and answered my questions. I never felt pressured to make a decision or steered in a direction that I was not 100% comfortable with. I trust Chris and would not hesitate to recommend Omaha Insurance Solutions to my family and friends.

Paul & Terri P.

Medicare can be confusing, but Chris did a great job of explaining all our options to us. He patiently answered all our questions and gave us knowledgeable advice. We are so appreciative of Chris and Angie’s guidance, and we highly recommend them to anyone needing help with Medicare insurance.