Are you a Medicare beneficiary?
Medicare Open Enrollment takes place now through Dec. 7. It is the time of the year when changes can be made in the plans and providers you’ve chosen for your Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage and/or Medicare Advantage option
If you wish to make changes, you can only do so until Dec. 7.
Open enrollment is also a good time to run drug comparisons to make sure the Medicare Part D plan you are on is still your best option as Medicare Part D plans do change from year to year.
Individuals who receive the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), or “Extra Help”, can change their plans monthly in 2025.
In order to qualify for the “Extra Help” program, your income must be at or below 150% of the poverty level.
Plans change every year, so it is a good idea to check your Medicare Part D plan yearly even if you receive the Extra Help benefit.
Original Medicare, sometimes referred to as Part A and Part B, helps with hospital, doctor and outpatient services.
More than likely, a Medicare supplement is needed to cover the costs not covered by Part A and Part B.
Medicare Advantage, or Part C, combines Part A and B into one plan, while Medicare Part D covers prescription drug plans.
During open enrollment, beneficiaries can make changes to these plans that provide better support for their health and well-being.
It’s a time to change what doesn’t work and keep what does.
Locally, AAA7 is available as a resource to those in its ten-county district who would like assistance with Medicare or Open Enrollment.
Medicare Check-Up counseling is by appointment only and several dates are open at the AAA7’s Jackson Office location on Oct. 21, Nov. 8 and Dec. 2.
Please call 1-800-582-7277, ext. 250, or email info@aaa7.org for more information.
If you switched to a new plan, your coverage will begin on Jan. 1, 2025. If you stay with the same plan, any changes to coverage, benefits or costs for the new year will begin on Jan. 1, 2025.
Between Jan 1 and March 31, if you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can drop your plan and switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan with or without prescription drug coverage or go back to Original Medicare. If you go back to Original Medicare, you will also have the option to join a Medicare prescription drug plan. Your coverage will begin the first day of the month after your enrollment. In some cases, you may be able to make other changes if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
More information about Medicare plans and options is available at www.medicare.gov.
AAA7 helps individuals with Medicare through a number of ways.
AAA7 has staff that can help you determine if you are eligible for Medicare Premium Assistance such as the Medicare Savings Program, which if eligible pays your Medicare Part B premium and/or the Low-Income Subsidy program that helps those with Medicare Part D premiums and co-pays.
AAA7 staff can also assist you during the open enrollment period by running comparisons for your Medicare prescription drug plans or Medicare Advantage plans.
The AAA7 can also answer general Medicare questions you may have. Medicare Check-Up counseling is by appointment only.
Counties covered by the AAA7 include Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton.
For questions or assistance, call toll-free at 1-800-582-7277, extension 250, or email info@aaa7.org.