Annual Enrollment Starts October 15 and Ends December 7 for Medicare Part C & Part D Plans

Fall is the time for Medicare beneficiaries to explore their options regarding Part D prescription drug and Part C Medicare Advantage plans.  In years past, the annual enrollment period began in mid-November and lasted to the end of the year, with any changes or choices made effective January 1st.  Starting this year, that time period has been moved up.  This year the Annual Coordinated Election Period (ACEP) for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans will start on October 15th and end on December 7th.  This means that Medicare beneficiaries will have to analyze their options and make choices earlier than in previous years.

During the ACEP, often referred to as "open enrollment," Medicare beneficiaries who do not have a Part D plan can enroll in one, and those who do have Part D coverage can change plans.  Beneficiaries can also return to traditional Medicare from a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, enroll in an MA plan, or change MA plans.

Beneficiaries who are satisfied with their plan in 2011 still need to review their plan options for 2012.  Part D and MA plans may have made changes to their coverage, provider networks and other plan features.   Starting October 1, 2011, plan information for 2012 will be available on the Medicare Plan Finder at www.medicare.gov

If you want to enroll or review your plan options for 2012 please give us a call at  813-964-7100  or visit our website at www.MintcoFinancial.com

 

Call us at  813-964-7100  or email us at anecamara@mintcofinancial.com