Open enrollment for Medicare plans

It’s almost time to make sure the Medicare plan you have will be the best plan for you next year.
Whether you have Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage or a Part D prescription drug plan, you have one opportunity each year to make any changes you want. This opportunity is Medicare’s annual open enrollment period.

Open enrollment begins on October 15 and ends on December 7. Any changes you make will take effect Jan. 1, 2013.

Medicare plan benefits and your needs can change on an annual basis, so use the open enrollment period to compare your options and get the right fit.

During this past year, have you: Changed the medications you take? Been diagnosed with a new medical condition? Any of those changes could mean your current Medicare plan no longer meets your needs.
Medicare plans also change. The costs of your plan can go up or down, and prescription drugs can be added or dropped from the list of drugs (the formulary) included in your plan. Some Medicare plans change the benefits they offer or stop offering coverage in a particular location.

Because of such changes, you should check your current Medicare plan and, if necessary, switch to another one that better supports your needs.

Be sure to contact your insurance agent to discuss what may be best for you.