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Medicare Open Enrollment Begins October 15 Thumbnail

Medicare Open Enrollment Begins October 15

Alerts Healthcare New Legislation

Each year, Medicare plan costs and coverage typically change. In addition, your healthcare needs may have changed over the past year. 

The annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period is the time during which current Medicare beneficiaries can make new choices and pick plans that work best for them. 

The Open Enrollment Period — which begins on October 15 and runs through December 7 — is your opportunity to switch Medicare health and prescription drug plans to better suit your needs.

During this period, you can:

  • Join a Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D)
  • Switch from one Part D plan to another Part D plan
  • Drop your Part D coverage altogether
  • Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan
  • Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to Original Medicare
  • Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to a different Medicare Advantage plan
  • Change from a Medicare Advantage plan that offers prescription drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage plan that doesn't offer prescription drug coverage
  • Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan that doesn't offer prescription drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage plan that does offer prescription drug coverage

Any changes made during Open Enrollment are effective as of January 1, 2024.

Read our [Infographic] "The ABCs of Medicare" here.


Review your plan options

Now is a good time to review your current Medicare plan to see if it's still right for you. Have you been satisfied with the coverage and level of care you're receiving with your current plan? Are your premium costs or out-of-pocket expenses too high? Has your health changed? Do you anticipate needing medical care or treatment, or new or pricier prescription drugs?

If your current plan doesn't meet your health-care needs or fit within your budget, you can switch to a new plan. If you find that you're satisfied with your current Medicare plan and it's still being offered, you don't have to do anything. The coverage you have will continue.

You can find more information on new and expanded benefits in the "Medicare & You" 2024 Handbook on medicare.gov.


What coverage is right for you?

Determining the best coverage and comparing it to other Medicare plans can be confusing and complicated. 

That's why we work with a range of competent Medicare professionals that can help you choose your personalized Medicare plan, at the right cost. We can also revisit your coverage as often as you'd like. 

Read our Open Enrollment "Quick Tip" here.

Otherwise, pay attention to notices you receive from Medicare (and from your plan), and take advantage of available public help. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit the Medicare website, medicare.gov, to use the Plan Finder and other tools that can make comparing plans easier.

You can also call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free, personalized counseling at no cost to you. Visit shiptacenter.org or call the toll-free Medicare number to find the phone number for your state. 

Nevada's statewide counseling number is 1-800-307-4444 (website here). They can help you with:

  • Information on eligibility and benefits for Medicare programs including enrollment in a Part D, prescription drug benefit plan, general Medicare coverage and limitations.
  • Assistance with claims, requests for reconsiderations, and appeal processes for Medicare and Supplemental Insurance (Medigap).
  • Volunteer Counselors are available to help determine health insurance needs and provide unbiased information to assist you in making informed decisions about your health and long-term care insurances.
  • Referrals to other state and community services.  

Or, contact an advisor at Open Window. We are here to answer any questions you may have.