TIME FOR CHANGE

Open enrollment starts Oct. 15 for finding best Medicare plan

It’s open season for Medicare. The health insurance plan’s open enrollment period for 2022 begins on Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7, giving individuals age 65 and up who are already using Medicare a chance to customize it for their changing medical needs.

Those using classic, barebones Medicare plans that cover hospital stays, some in-home visits, and appointments with doctors — known as Part A and Part B — can consider adding a prescription plan (known as Part D) or upgrading to an allinclusive Medicare Advantage Plan, known as Part C.

Such benefits can also be dropped to save money during the enrollment period.

Those who already are signed up for an Advantage Plan, which are offered by private providers that have been approved by the government and can feature additional coverage including hearing, dental and eye exams as well as prescription services, should check their mandated Annual

Notice of Change letter sent out by their insurance company every September.

In it, they will learn of changes to their plan — including its cost — to see if they want to stick with it or move to another provider.

The easiest way to make changes to your plan is to go online to Medicare.gov, a surprisingly user-friendly site that walks you through the steps needed to make adjustments. Those who are not as computer savvy can speak with a representative by calling (800) 633-4227 (MEDICARE).

The Medicare Rights Center also operates a free helpline at (800) 333-4114 and provides an online tool, Medicareinteractive.org, where more than 3 million have found answers to their Medicare questions.

In New York, you can also call the Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program at (800) 701-0501.

Legal residents of the United States turning 65 who are already collecting Social Security are automatically signed up for Classic Medicare and should receive a package in the mail three months prior to their birthday explaining their coverage.

Those not receiving Social Security must enroll in the program by either visiting their local Social Security office, calling (800) 772-1213, mailing a signed and dated letter to the office that includes your name, Social Security number, and the date you would like to be enrolled in Medicare, or applying online at www.ssa.gov to take advantage of the program.