It is never too early to plan ahead for 2017 open enrollment and decide what changes need to be made in everyone’s health care coverage
The annual open enrollment (AEP) for 2017 Medicare coverage begins in October 15 and ends on December 7, 2017. During the enrollment period the following changes can be made:
Change from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare or from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage
Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another or change from one Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to another
Enroll in Medicare Part D, but a late enrollment fees may be applicable
It is important to remember that to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan there are basic criteria that need to be met, and these criteria are:
Plan holders must not have end-stage renal disease (exceptions apply)
Plan holders must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B
Plan holders must reside in the plan service area
What if the holder of the plan does not want any changes? If the holder of the plan does not want to make any changes, then there is no need to do anything, provided the current plan is going to be available in 2017. If it is not, then the plan holder will receive a non-renewal notice from the insurance carrier before the AEP. No non-renewal notice? The plan stays in place.
Even if plan holders wish to keep their current coverage it does not mean that there are no new changes coming for the year. Check to see if the current plan is still the best option and find out about any changes. Make sure to clearly understand any changes that may apply to the insurance coverage.
