Health care needs and personal circumstances change—sometimes significantly—as you age. That’s why Medicare open enrollment is such a crucial time of the year. It offers an opportunity to reassess your health care coverage and make necessary changes to ensure you get the most out of your Medicare plans. 
Wimmer Insurance is here to help guide you through the complexities of Medicare open enrollment.
When Is Medicare Open Enrollment?
The annual Medicare open enrollment period runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 every year. During this time, you can make various changes to your existing Medicare coverage, whether you’re enrolled in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) or a prescription drug plan (Part D).
During Medicare open enrollment, you may be able to make the following changes to your health care plan:
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan—This option allows you to take advantage of the additional benefits of some Medicare Advantage plans, such as vision, dental and prescription drug coverage.
- Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare—If your current Medicare Advantage plan is not meeting your needs, you can revert to Original Medicare.
- Change Medicare Advantage plans—If you’re already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different plan that better suits your health care needs.
- Change prescription drug plans—Whether you’re in Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan that doesn’t offer drug coverage, you can switch your Part D plan.
Factors to Consider When Making Changes
Consider the following when making changes to your Medicare health care coverage:
- Cost—Compare premiums, deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs to ensure the plan is financially feasible.
- Coverage—Check that the services you need, whether routine check-ups or specialized treatment, are adequately covered.
- Doctors and hospitals—Make sure your preferred health care providers are in-network. Out-of-network costs can add up quickly.
- Prescription drugs—If you take medication regularly, check that they are covered under the plan’s formulary and understand the related costs.
- Quality ratings—Medicare plans are rated on a scale of one to five stars, with five stars representing the highest-rated options.
Contact Us
Wimmer Insurance is committed to helping you navigate the Medicare landscape with confidence. Contact us for personalized assistance and to ensure you make the best decisions for your health care needs. Our team in Detroit Lakes is always ready to help you understand your options and make the most informed decisions during this year’s Medicare open enrollment.
This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.