New Health Care Law Brings Changes to Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period

Some things change, some stay the same—a statement that rings true for Medicare as it relates to the new health care law. Medicare beneficiaries should be aware of key changes related to Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period, November 15 through December 31, 2010, as it's just around the corner.

What's the same?
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period will be the same as it has been in the past, beginning on November 15 and ending on December 31. During this time, people have the opportunity to add, drop, or change their current prescription drug coverage and also select a health plan (Medicare Advantage Plan) for their 2011 coverage. For 2010, these dates are not changing as a result of the new heath care law.

When making a drug plan selection, Medicare beneficiaries should consider the cost of premiums, their own budgets, and their prescription needs. If considering a Medicare Advantage Plan for health care, individuals should make sure that their doctors accept that particular plan before enrolling in it.

What's different?
In the past, people had three months, January 1 through March 31, to switch from the Medicare Advantage Plan they selected during the Annual Enrollment Period to a new one. Beginning in 2011, people will have only 45 days, January 1 through February 15, to make a change from their original selection. This timeframe is much shorter than before and the types of changes are more limited than in the past.

"It's very important Medicare beneficiaries make an informed and careful decision when selecting their plans during the Annual Enrollment Period," said Irene O'Donnell, Regional SHINE (Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders) Director. "Our SHINE counselors are well versed in all the changes which will take effect in 2011. Meeting with a SHINE counselor is time well spent."

The SHINE program is available to offer help and information regarding plan selection and enrollment. SHINE counselors will also help Medicare beneficiaries apply for Extra Help for prescription costs. The SHINE program at MVES provides Medicare counseling services in Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, Chelsea, Danvers, Lynn, Lynnfield, Marblehead, Middleton, Nahant, Peabody, Revere, Salem, Saugus, Swampscott, and Winthrop.

Contact MVES' SHINE program at 781-324-7705, ext. 164.