Medicare annual enrollment period begins on October 15

Every year the Medicare insurance companies unveil the plans for the following year and make changes to the Medicare Advantage plans that usually give people greater benefits. The annual enrollment period runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. The annual notification of changes (ANOC) from the Medicare insurance was sent out in September.

This notification lets people know what changes are being made to their current insurance plan. It is good idea to sit down and look at both positive and possible negative changes in a plan. It is also time to make changes for those who have Medicare Advantage plan, a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan with a Medicare Supplemental (Medigap Plan) or a straight Medicare.

People can compare their current Advantage Plan or Prescription Drug Plan with the new plans with the help of a insurance broker. Newer plans may offer better benefits; a change of company could also be a good reason to make those changes. Keep in mind that the new plan will not take effect until Jan. 1. Those with original Medicare without any extra coverage can take advantage of the enrollment period to add an Advantage Plan to their Original Medicare.

Those who had the same Medicare Advantage Plan or Prescription Drug Plan for more than a few years might be missing out on better benefits. Now is the time to see if any of those benefits are available in the area.

Medicare Insurance Broker Sandra Teel is available to help with the annual review of the current Medicare insurance at no cost for additional benefits. For more information, call 657-204-4224.

—Sandra Teel, Medicare Insurance Broker