Medicare Open Enrollment Time!

Medicare's annual open enrollment period begins 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 2017. 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, as long as the plan gets your enrollment request by December 7th. Medicare beneficiaries will receive their Annual Notice of Change and Evidence of Coverage from their existing Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plan providers. People 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. Take time to review the information you received and look at all of your Medicare options; you may find more affordable coverage through a different combination of 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. Medicare Health Insurance Community meetings will take place throughout the annual enrollment period to help you make this important decision for 2017. Get updates and learn about the changes to Medicare, the Medicare Health Plans, Medicare Part D, NYS EPIC and “Extra Help” Low Income Subsidy Program. Information will be presented by representatives of the Niagara County Office for the Aging, NY Connects, NYS EPIC Program, and Medicare Advantage Plans Sales Representatives. The following locations and dates are scheduled for your convenience across the county: DATE LOCATION TIME October 24, 2016 North Tonawanda Senior Center 9:30am 110 Goundry St., North Tonawanda October 26, 2016 The Dale Association 9:30am 33 Ontario St., Lockport November 2, 2016 Lewiston Senior Center 9:30am 4361 Lower River Rd., Lewiston November 15, 2016 John Duke Senior Center 9:30am 1201 Hyde Park Blvd., Niagara Falls