INSURANCE

Laura Mutsko Agent, CSA and Certified Healthcare Reform Specialist

Q:What if I switch to a Medicare Advantage Plan that turns out to be the wrong choice for me. I hate to think that I’m stuck with it for all of 2019.

A:Good news! According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), changes are being made to their disenrollment period. The 21st Century Cures Act eliminated the existing MA disenrollment period that took place from January 1st through February 14th of every year. Beginning in January 2019, it will replace it with a new Medicare Advantage open enrollment period (OEP) that will take place from January 1st through March 31st annually. Here’s what this means to you: In the past, if you decided to disenroll from your Advantage Plan, you were not permitted to switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan. Beginning In 2019, if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, and have a change of heart, you will have a onetime opportunity to: • Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan • Drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare • Sign up for a stand-alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan (if you return to Original Medicare).

Why would someone want to change plans?

While all Medicare Advantage plans cover you for your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits, the doctors, hospitals and other providers can vary from plan to plan. Some plans may offer routine vision, dental and hearing benefits. Other plans offer health club memberships at no charge. While prescription coverage is usually included with most Advantage plans, the plan’s covered medications and cost to you can change. In fact, any of the extra benefits beyond the Medicare Part A and B coverage that a plan provides can change so it is up to you to choose a plan with the providers and benefits that work for your situation. Every fall, your plan sends you an Annual Notice of Change that lists any changes to your benefits or plan rules. However, if you missed something and your plan no longer suits you, you now have a chance for a ‘do-over.” You have an opportunity to switch to a different plan or go back to Original Medicare. If you have Original Medicare and want to switch to an Advantage Plan, you must make this change before December 7. You will not be permitted to disenroll in Original Medicare and enroll in an Advantage Plan during the January 1 through March 31 periods.