Medicare Changes in 2014

Medicare's annual open enrollment period starts October 15th and ends December 7th. This is the time of year when everyone with Medicare can join or change their health and prescription drug plans for 2014. This includes anyone using traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage and prescription drug coverage. Depending on our needs, you can switch coverage from original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan or vice versa. You can also switch your Part D plan, which pays for medications. Any changes you make will take effect January 1st. Medicare Advantage participants should review plan changes as soon as they receive information from their providers. Changes could include costs such as premiums, deductibles and co-pays, as well as changes to covered procedures, tests and other provisions. Some plans may be eliminated, requiring enrollees to choose a new plan or default to traditional Medicare Part B. Enrollment in Medicare Advantage plans continues to increase, with more Medicare beneficiaries choosing these plans in recent years. Medicare beneficiaries should receive their Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and Evidence of Coverage (EOC) from their existing Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plan providers. Take time to review the information you receive and look at all of your Medicare options; you may find more affordable coverage through a different combination of plans -- whether Medicare Advantage or traditional Medicare with Part D and Medigap plans. Keep in mind that you may see a lot of ads for Medicare plans, but there could be a plan that's perfect for you that isn't getting a lot of attention with ads and mailers. This is an important opportunity to make sure you are getting the most from your Medicare benefits. Every year, Medicare plans change and so do your needs. It’s worth the time to shop around to see if the coverage is still the best for your situation. A free “Understanding Medicare Plan Choices for 2014” meeting is scheduled for October 31, 2013 at 10:00am at The Dale Association, 33 Ontario Street, Lockport. Learn about the changes to Medicare plans, get updates about enrollment, NYS EPIC, Medicare Part D and the “Extra Help” Low Income Subsidy Program. Representatives from Niagara County Office for the Aging, NYS EPIC, and Medicare Advantage Plan Representatives will be present to provide enrollment assistance and to answer questions.