Medicare Enrollment for 2012 Begins Now!!

Mintco Financial  - www.MintcoFinancial.com is reminding seniors and their families that the open enrollment period is moving up this year for Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans.

Seniors have until Dec. 7 — not New Year’s Eve as in the past — to join, drop or switch health care and drug plans for 2012.

This Saturday marks the beginning of Medicare's Annual Open Enrollment Period, which runs through December 7. During this time, people with Medicare can select or change their Medicare Part D prescription drug plan for 2012, along with a host of other options.

Medicare, and related programs, offer a wide range of benefits and services to help older adults, and individuals with disabilities, live a healthier life. But far too many beneficiaries are not familiar with what's available or how to use their benefits to the fullest. People with Medicare need to understand what coverage they currently have and shop around for plans that may better fit their health needs, and save them money. 

Recently, NCOA surveyed baby boomers and seniors regarding their knowledge of Medicare. Among other findings, the survey showed that a large percentage of baby boomers and seniors aged 65+ do not understand Medicare, and are unaware of important recent or impending changes to the program, specifically that the Open Enrollment Period starts and ends earlier this year, as a result of the Affordable Care Act, or health care reform. 

"Medicare plans change every year, and this year, the changes are significant," said Nora Dowd Eisenhower, vice president, Benefits Access Group, and director of NCOA's National Center for Benefits Outreach and Enrollment. "Beneficiaries should review their current plan and their health needs and explore options during Open Enrollment. Since plans change, it's important to make sure you're in the one that best meets your coverage needs. This could save you hundreds of dollars."   

Medicare recommends that all seniors review their coverage during open enrollment, since important insurance details can change. Nearly 30 million beneficiaries are signed up in Medicare Advantage and prescription plans.

During the next six weeks, Mintco Financial will be offering a complimentary Medicare evaluation at  its offices in Buffalo,NY and Tampa,FL and will be extending this opportunity to all.  This review will give you the ability to determine if your current health care plan is the most cost effective option based on your current health care needs.  

Please call Mintco Financial offices to schedule a thirty minute consultation to review your current situation and all the options available to you.  All meetings will be by appointment only and space may be limited due to the short duration of the Medicare annual election period.

New York – Florida

Main Office: 4444 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14226

(716) 565-1300 or 1-888-MINTCO-8

                                                     www.MintcoFinancial.com