Open Enrollment for Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans begins October 15 and runs through December 7. During this time seniors are given a singular opportunity to reassess their coverage and consider options for the coming year.

"Even if you are happy with your current Medicare plan, it generally pays to review your plan during Open Enrollment," explains John Billetdoux an independent insurance broker with JBA Insurance Brokers located in Marlton, NJ.

 "You may be taking a new prescription medication or your Medicare plan's coverage and its drug formulary may have changed," shares Jesse Slome, director of the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance, a national industry organization.  "Open Enrollment is the best time to review and get ready for the next year.  But act early because local Medicare insurance professionals are busiest during this time of the year."
Getting better Medicare plan coverage and lowering costs are the primary reasons to take advantage of the yearly reassessment opportunity. "If you miss the Open Enrollment deadline, you may have to wait a full year before you can make changes to your plans," explains Billetdoux.  

Here are three important things every Medicare beneficiary can do during Open Enrollment:

1.  Review Your Annual Notice of Change.  Be sure to read any notices you receive from your current Medicare plan about changes for 2021.   Review for any changes that could impact the cost of drugs you take or the doctors and specialists you prefer.

 2.  Verify Your Doctors Are Still Working.  If you have not seen your primary care physician in a while, call the office to verify that he or she is still practicing.

3.   Think Ahead for 2021 Healthcare Needs.   Consider any health changes that took place in 2020.  Think ahead for what health conditions might need addressing in the year ahead?  Will a different Medicare plan offer better options?  Is it important to see if you can reduce the cost by choosing another plan?

 "Medicare's Annual Enrollment only lasts 54 days, a vital time period to review and make decisions that may last a full year," shares Billetdoux. For a no-cost review and comparison of Medicare plans available in our area call John Billetdoux at 856-396-5054.

Editor, for additional information please call  John Billetdoux
JBA Insurance Brokers
JohnB@JBAInsurance.net 856-396-5054

or:  Jesse Slome, Executive Director,
American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance
818-597-3205   E:  jslome@medicaresupp.org