If the year 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that change is one of the few constants we can count on. Your health insurance is something you should always be able to rely on, but a little-known fact that catches a lot of folks off guard is that their Medicare plans can change from year to year.
Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug plans often undergo changes from year to year, which is why it’s so important to review your coverage annually. Private companies that administer Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug plans are in competition with one another to offer comprehensive benefits at low costs, so it’s important to compare your options. It’s common to see benefits like dental coverage, alternative medicine, chiropractic and massage therapy, and wellness incentive programs appear and disappear from plans so comparing and contrasting your choices is key.
If you’re on a Medicare plan, your company will send you a letter called an Annual Notice of Change. Also referred to as an ANOC, you can expect these letters to arrive by the end of September each year. Your insurance company sends these letters to tell you about the specific parts of your plan that will be changing in the next calendar year.
If you’re not a fan of the changes to your Medicare plan, never fear! The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15th to December 7th of every year, and during that time you can sign up for or change your Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug plan. Even if you like your plan, you should shop around and weigh your options just like you would if you were thinking of buying a new car or a new furniture set for your home. Remember to think about your doctor preferences, medications, and medical needs. The choices can be overwhelming, so it may be advantageous to have a local insurance broker guide you.
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