Medicare Special Needs Plans When it comes to Medicare coverage and healthcare, a "standard" plan isn't always enough. This can be especially true if you’re managing a chronic condition and/or have a limited income. Medicare Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are plans deigned to provide care for people with specific health or income needs. What Exactly [...]
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period If you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) is a once-a-year chance to make a change to your coverage. During this window, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or leave Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare. [...]
Medicare and Working Past 65 Turning 65 doesn’t always mean retiring. If you’re still working—or covered by a spouse’s employer plan—you may want to wait about beginning Medicare. The right choice depends on your situation, and knowing the rules can save you money and help you avoid penalties later. Do I Have to Sign Up [...]
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) When it happens: October 15 – December 7 each yearWhen changes begin: January 1 of the next year Heads-up: Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies can be shopped and changed any time of the year. AEP doesn’t govern Medigap. Switch coverage types: Move between Original Medicare (Parts A & B) and Medicare [...]
Do you need to sign up for Medicare at 65 if you have other coverage? If you turn 65 and already have comprehensive health insurance, you don’t necessarily have to enroll in Medicare. In some situations, though, enrolling at 65 is essential to avoid coverage gaps and penalties. When enrolling at 65 makes sense Potentially [...]
Avoiding the Medicare Part B Late Enrollment Penalty When it comes to Medicare, timing is everything. Unless you have qualifying (creditable) employer group coverage, you generally need to enroll in Medicare at age 65. Some people qualify earlier due to disability or certain medical conditions. Missing key enrollment windows can trigger late enrollment penalties—especially for [...]
Understanding Your Medicare Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) Letter What it is, what to look for, and what to do next. What is the ANOC? The ANOC is a letter from your current plan—either a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan or a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan—spelling out any updates that will take effect [...]
Medicare and Marketing Agents assisting you with your Medicare options ARE NOT allowed to….. Ask for information, such as your bank account, over the phone unless it’s needed as part of an enrollment. Require you to provide them your Medicare Number or Social Security Number for a quote. Plans don't need those numbers to [...]
