Open Enrollment Period for Medicare Advantage Plans
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2007-01-04 12:58:33.897474-05:00
Medicare Advantage Plans are health plan options that are part of the Medicare program. These Medicare plans are offered by private insurance companies and pay for the same health care services as Original Medicare. But they might also pay for additional services that aren’t covered by Original Medicare.
Some plans cover prescription drugs. In some Medicare Advantage plans (like a Health Maintenance Organization), you may only be able to see certain doctors or go to certain hospitals to get covered services.
You can join or switch Medicare Advantage Plans from January 1st to March 31, each year, but you cannot add or drop Medicare prescription drug coverage during this time. For example, if you are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan with prescription drug coverage, you can switch to Original Medicare, but you’d also have to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
To compare Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans that are available in your area, visit www.medicare.gov or call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227. Once you have decided on a plan, contact the plan to find out more information and to enroll. Once you enroll, the plan will let you know when your new coverage begins.
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