Whether you’re aging into Medicare, or you’ve been covered for years, you have options when it comes to coverage, and the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (which runs from October 15 to December 7) is your opportunity to assess your healthcare needs for the coming year. Learn what new plans have to offer, compare benefit options and enroll, so you can make sure you have the absolute best health coverage for you.
You can opt for Original Medicare coverage, which is Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) and Part B (doctor coverage), but you could be on the hook for 20% of your expenses. You’d have to pick up additional drug coverage to cover prescriptions and supplemental coverage if you’re concerned about out-of-pocket costs.
Or you can compare the many options available from Medicare-approved private companies offering what are called Medicare Advantage Plans (or Medicare Part C.) These plans are often called “all-in-one plans” because they can include several different benefits in one, which can be any combination of drug coverage, hearing, vision, and/or dental, plus they can be low-to-no cost and offer spending caps.
Open Enrollment Options
- Original Medicare
- Part A – hospital coverage
- Part B – doctor coverage
- Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare Advantage Plans Can Include
- Drug coverage
- Hearing
- Vision
- Dental
- Spending caps
This enrollment period really is your chance to make sure you’re in great shape for the next year! Call our partners, the Medicare experts at HealthShare360 for help learning about your options, comparing coverage, and enrolling during the Open Enrollment Period. Connect with HealthShare360 at 844.878.5012 or FLMedicare.com.
* If you already receive Social Security benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will automatically enroll you in Medicare Hospital Insurance (Part A) and Medical Insurance (Part B). They’ll mail you all the information you need a few months before you become eligible.
If you don’t receive Social Security benefits and are not ready to apply for them yet, you should sign up for Medicare three months before your 65th birthday.
You can do this using the SSA online application or you can make an appointment by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), 8:00 am – 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday.