insurance open enrollment period
It is February again, and the millions of Americans who are currently on Medicare know what this season: the deadline for open enrollment is quickly toward out.
Beginning each year on 15 November and runs until March 31 open enrollment gives individuals currently on Medicare the chance to change Medicare coverage or original Medicare or a private meeting Medicare Advantage Plan.
But what does that mean for Open Enrollment you, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of each option?
What is Open Enrollment?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announces an open enrollment period each fall. Simply open enrollment to make changes in Medicare plan – or not.
"Now is the time for Medicare beneficiaries to carefully review your current plan to see how changes can affect your cost and coverage – and then compare their plan with other options available for them, "said Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt." If you are satisfied with their plan meets their needs next year, not needed take some steps to keep your coverage. "
In short, this means that if you are satisfied with their current coverage and do not want or need to do any changes, you have to do anything at all – your coverage will continue as long as continue to qualify for benefits.
But what if you feel you would like to explore your options? What are the differences between the original and Advantage?
Original Medicare
The health insurance program administered by the federal government, the Original Medicare has two parts, Part A (hospitalization or hospital benefits) and Part B (outpatient coverage). To date, Most people with Medicare choose to stay with original Medicare, which provides access to virtually all doctors, specialists and hospitals in the country.
However, if you choose to remain with Original Medicare you may want to consider purchasing supplemental health insurance to cover the cost of procedures and care not covered by Original Medicare.
You may also want to consider enrolling in a private drug plan or PDP, to help with the prescription drug costs. These types of plans work with Medicare Part D, introduced in January 2006. Part D provides prescription drug coverage and not previously available in Original Medicare. Note that the special registration requirements are in Part D.
Medicare Advantage
The private Medicare health plans – Commonly provided through private insurance companies – offer low premiums and other special benefits. Insurance companies offering plans Medicare Advantage should cover the same hospital and outpatient services offered through Original Medicare.
Although Medicare Advantage plans often offer many special benefits not covered by Original Medicare – such as dental and vision – it is important to note that because these plans are run by private insurance companies, you must follow their guidelines and may incur high costs out of pocket if they do not.
As with any major health care decision, it is important to be informed before making any changes. Note that no matter what you choose, it is likely to be blocked in his new plan until the fall of next year, so do not take any chances – informed!
Before taking any decision, see your healthcare provider or a trusted friend or family member to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of each plan. And make no modifications to your plan benefits until you feel that you have all the information you need to make the best decision for you.
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Learn – Resources Open enrollment for Medicare Information
Besides talking with friends medical professionals and family members, free of orientation is available in a number of sources to help you make the right choice during open enrollment.
– The federal government has href = "http://www.medicare.gov,"> http://www.medicare.gov, the official site of Americans with Medicare.
– You can also call 1-800-Medicare, a free telephone line that addresses questions about benefits, prescription drug coverage, billing, and more.
– The Center Medicare Rights (MRC) provides free information and assistance on Medicare benefits at their website: http://medicarerights.org.
– The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' website, http://www.cms.hhs.gov contains a host of benefits information including a downloadable manual.
About the Author:
Mobility Guy writes articles about health, healthcare, wheelchairs, electric mobility scooters, power wheelchairs and more. Read more at the Mobility Scooter Blog.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Medicare Open Enrollment: Which Plan is Right For You?
The Money Workout video extra for November 6, 2008
