Seniors Ponder Medicare Open Enrollment

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Medicare Open Enrollment takes place October 15th through December 7th. Open enrollment is the time of the year when changes can be made in the plans and providers you’ve chosen for your Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage and/or Medicare Advantage option. If you wish to make changes, you can only do so until December 7th.

Open enrollment is also a good time to run drug comparisons to make sure the Medicare Part D plan you
are on is still your best option as Medicare Part D plans do change from year to year. Individuals who receive the Low Income Subsidy (LIS), or “Extra Help”, can change their plans once every quarter.

In 2024, the income guidelines for this program are increasing to 150% of the poverty level and anyone who qualifies for Extra Help in 2024 will receive the full benefit instead of a partial benefit. Even if you are receiving help through LIS, it is a good idea to check your plans to make sure all of your medications will be covered on your current plan for 2024.

Original Medicare, sometimes referred to as Part A and Part B, helps with hospital, doctor and outpatient services. More than likely, a Medicare supplement is needed in order to cover the costs not covered by Part A and Part B. Medicare Advantage, or Part C, combines Part A and B in to one plan, while Medicare Part D covers prescription drug plans. During open enrollment, beneficiaries have the opportunity to make changes to these plans that provides better support for their health and well‐being. It’s a time to change what doesn’t work and keep what does.

More information about Medicare plans and options is available at www.medicare.gov.