What is Medicare Open Enrollment?

The Medicare Annual Open Enrollment (AEP) for 2012 begins four weeks earlier this year starting October 15 – December 7 of 2011. With millions of baby boomers turning 65 this year, this AEP is bound to be a busy one for everybody. This time of year is when Medicare participants are allowed to make a change in their Medicare Plans, usually with no restrictions for the following calendar year.

Medicare Advantage plans are offered through private carriers and they can make changes ever year so it is very important to review your plan. In doing so, make sure you review all of the features and benefits that are appealing to you. Here in California, you can find great coverage for little to no cost for an MAPD Plan.

Be sure to check your coverage even if you are happy with your current plan as your 2011 plan may have changes for 2012. In some cases, these plans may be changing providers, co-pays, deductibles, coverage areas, or even premiums. If this is the case you want to make sure that you are not going to be affected. This is when AEP becomes your friend, allowing you to make any necessary changes to a more conducive plan to your lifestyle needs.

Most seniors today want the peace of mind in their bottom line, cost! So be sure to read the fine print with all policies in regards to your out of pocket expenses. Most of them have maximums but you want to be sure to plan ahead, if that’s even possible when it comes to your health. Therefore you want to plan for the unpredictable.

I have spoken to many seniors who are currently on Medicare Supplement plans who can no longer afford the premiums and will also be making a change to a more affordable Advantage plan. Again, be sure to review all of your options before making any final decisions. Once you make these changes, your plan will take effect on January 1st of the following calendar year. You are locked in to this plan until the next AEP comes around unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).

For more information on your health insurance and Medicare, be sure to visit our site which was designed to assist you in the decision making process for all your insurance needs.