2020 The Villages in Florida – Medicare Enrollment

2020 The Villages in Florida – Medicare Enrollment

There are some big changes coming up in January 2020 that will be affecting Medicare Supplements/Medigap plans.

With all the information going around here are the facts.

  1. Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) is changing the coverage on the Part B deductible to ‘newly eligible’ Medicare beneficiaries on or after January 1, 2020.
  2. Plans F, High Deductible F and C will be leaving the market for anyone getting Medicare Part A on or after January 1, 2020.
  3. If you currently have these plans you can keep them and there will be no change to their benefits.
  4. If you have Medicare Part A effective date prior to January 1, 2020 you will still have the option to switch into these plans if you wish, they will still be available for purchase.
  5. But anyone that gets Medicare Part A on or after January1, 2020 will not have the option to enroll in these plans.

 

Medicare Enrollment  The Villages in Florida 2020

 

If you are a current Medicare recipient, you might know that every October you have the option to change your coverage during the Fall Open Enrollment Period (also referred to as the Annual Enrollment Period).

This provides you the opportunity to review your current benefits and how they might change in the coming year, according to independent insurance agent Vince Kelly. Here’s a checklist to get you prepared for open enrollment.

Mediccare open enrollment The Villages in Florida 2020

The 2020 enrollment period, as in prior years, runs from October 15 to December 7.

You can make as many changes as you wish, but your final selections submitted by December 7 will stand as your new plan and will start on January 1, 2020.

You don’t have to make any changes. If no changes are made, your current plan will simply continue and roll over into 2020.

From January 1 through March 31, 2020, there is also a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period during which people in a Medicare Advantage Plan may make one change, which in turn will remain for the year. This is unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), in which case you may make a change during certain times of the year. One popular example of an SEP is moving out of the service area.

Medicare Plan Notices in 2020

Pay attention to your mail. As early as September 15, Medicare Advantage recipients will be receiving their Annual Notification of Change (ANOC) pamphlet from their current insurance company. The ANOC shows if the plan you currently have is changing, such as moving a prescription drug to a higher tier (which could make it more expensive) or adding benefits.

It pays to compare.

Most people don’t make any changes and some see the pamphlet and get overwhelmed.

But they shouldn’t—all you really need to do is read the chart comparing the 2019 and 2020 columns.

Confirm the things you like and have had in the past year will continue next year.

If you’re happy with your current doctors, your health plan benefits and your coverage, open the ANOC and check for any changes between your 2019 benefits and the upcoming 2020 benefits.

Medicare Existing Plan meets next year’s needs?

During this enrollment period you may change or join a Medicare Advantage HMO plan.

The benefits of these plans are wide and they vary.

Some of the most important factors are that Medicare Advantage plans typically include a Part D prescription drug plan, urgent care visits and low or no copays or deductibles.

If you are not currently in a Medicare Advantage HMO, you can join during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period.

You also have the option to just change your stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan during Medicare Annual Enrollment Period only (unless you qualify for an SEP as noted previously.)

You might need a supplement plan.

Individuals who decide to pay a premium and join a stand-alone Part D plan will return to their Original Medicare and should consider applying for and purchasing a Medicare Supplement insurance (also known as Medi-Gap).

A Medicare Supplement policy helps pay the 20% not covered by Original Medicare.

Medicare First Time Enrolling

If you are a first-time Medicare applicant, your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is the seven-month period surrounding the month you turn 65—three months before the month in which you turn 65, the month of your birthday and the three months following your 65th birthday.

Once you’re eligible to apply, you have the choice of Original Medicare (the fee-for-service program run by the U.S. government) or a Medicare Advantage plan (a type of private insurance offering an HMO).

Do you need Medicare supplement insurance?

Medicare Part A and Part B are considered Original Medicare and by design cover only basic services.

Also there is a high hospital copayment charge with both.

This is why consumers should consider adding a Medicare Supplement insurance plan to help cover costs not covered by Original Medicare.

The best time to get a Medicare Supplement plan is when you are new to Medicare because the premiums based on age and inflation will be the lowest they are ever going to be for you.

Also, if you apply when you are first eligible, an insurance company can’t deny you a policy or place conditions on it. These situations include pre-existing conditions (they can’t deny you or charge you more) and moving or travel.

A supplement will also give you more control and freedom of choice.

Mintco Financial Medicare Agents in Florida

We find that so many of the seniors that we deal with on a daily basis have a difficult time understand Medicare.

Our goal is to teach you all you need to know about Medicare so you can make an informed decision on how you choose to receive your Medicare.

Not only do we assist our clients in selecting the right plan but we also help our clients to apply for extra help with prescription drugs.

 

Medicare Florida  Independent Agents Advantage

We are Independent Agents, free to choose the right carrier for your insurance needs.

We do not work for an insurance company; we work for you.

Mintco Financial Medicare represents a carefully selected group of financially strong, reputable insurance companies, we do the research for you.

We specialize in Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage, Dental Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Final Expense and many other products.

 

Contact us to help you to figure out your Medicare Needs at

813-964-7100

info@mintcofinancial.com

www.MintcoFinancial.com