The Open Enrollment Period (OEP) for Medicare is October 15 thru December 7. This is a time when Medicare eligible individuals can enroll in a new Medicare Advantage Plan or switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan.
There are many different options and choosing the plan that is best for you can be a confusing and often overwhelming decision. To help, Optum Medical Network will post a Medicare update every Monday throughout OEP to help answer some of your questions about Medicare and Open Enrollment.
If you’d like to talk to an agent about your Medicare Health Plan options, please call us at 877-901-4985.
MEDICARE MONDAY’S
9/29/2014
DID YOU KNOW…
That open enrollment period for #Medicare starts in 3 weeks on Wednesday, October 15? The Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is a time when Medicare eligible individuals can enroll in a new Medicare Advantage plan or switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan. During this time you can also add prescription drug coverage or switch from one Medicare drug plan to another Medicare drug plan. If a person is satisfied with their plan, they don’t need to do anything. Keep in mind that OEP ends December 7th.
10/6/2014
DID YOU KNOW…
That the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) happens once? IEP typically happens once you become Medicare eligible at age 64 and 9 months. The Open Enrollment Period (OEP) happens every fall from October 15 – December 7. During OEP you have a window of opportunity to change your health coverage and your health coverage provider without penalty. The Late Enrollment Penalty (LEP) happens once you’re eligible for Medicare, if you delay enrolling in Part B or Part D, you may be subjected to penalties once you add them.
10/13/2014
DID YOU KNOW…
That #Medicare Advantage is commonly known as Part C? It is a type of Medicare insurance that combines Part A and Part B into a plan that not only covers the out-of-pocket expenses, but may provide additional coverage such as vision, dental, wellness programs, chiropractors and many more.
10/20/2014
DID YOU KNOW…
That Original Medicare does not cover prescription drugs; however the government has contracted with private insurance companies that can offer you this coverage at an additional cost? If you are entitled to Medicare Part A and/or enrolled in Part B, you can purchase Part D as a standalone program to cover prescription drugs.
10/27/2014
DID YOU KNOW…
That Medicare is a health insurance program for people age 65 or older, people under age 65 with certain disabilities, and people of all ages with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant).
11/3/2014
DID YOU KNOW…
That the Social Security Administration advises people to file for #Medicare benefits 3 months before age 65 and that failure to apply could result in financial penalties?
11/10/2014
DID YOU KNOW…
That Medicare is not free. You will pay a premium, which is deducted from your Social Security check, for Part B along with an annual deductible and a percentage, usually 20%, of the total bill. Purchasing supplemental insurance or enrolling in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plan can help contain costs associated with deductibles, co-payments and prescription drugs.
11/17/2014
DID YOU KNOW…
Doing the research on #Medicare plans doesn’t mean you spend days going through health plan materials and educating yourself about all things Medicare. There are licensed independent insurance agents in your area that can explain the parts different parts of #Medicare and prescription drug plans in your area? An insurance agent can make recommendations as to what will be best for you. All for free. Furthermore, most licensed insurance agents are available for an in-home appointment and can sit down with you and your family or friends to review the multiple options. This is a great way to save you time and ensure you fully understand your selection.
11/24/2014
DID YOU KNOW…
Once you complete your enrollment paperwork, generally your proposed effective date will be on the first of the following month? If you enroll during the open enrollment election period, you will be effective on January 1 of the next year.
12/1/2014
DID YOU KNOW…
That the Medicare open enrollment period ends on December 7? That means you only have 6 days left to change your Medicare health plan and prescription drug coverage without penalty. If you’re ready to change your Medicare health plan and prescription drug coverage, the time is now!
