Got New Coverage for the New Year?

If you made changes to your Medicare coverage during Medicare Annual Enrollment, you may be wondering what’s next. About 10 days after you enroll, you may get a phone call or letter from your Medicare insurance company. This is to make sure you understand your new plan. It is also a chance for you to give any information missing from your application.

In a few weeks, you’ll get information in the mail that may include:

• A copy of your completed plan enrollment application. Keep this application for your records.
• An acceptance letter showing your enrollment has been approved by Medicare.
• A member ID card and information packet from your Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plan provider. Read this information carefully. It has details of your new plan, contact information and your Evidence of Coverage. A letter explaining how you may be able to get extra help paying for Medicare costs may also be included. Keep these materials so you can refer to them if you have questions later.

What to do if you change your mind

If you enrolled in a new Medicare Part D plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), you have to wait until AEP comes around again to make any changes. (Unless you move and qualify for a Special Enrollment Period).

If you have a new Medicare Advantage plan and change your mind, luckily for you, you may be able to change coverage. From January 1 through March 31, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is for qualified Medicare Advantage plan holders. During this time, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or drop a plan and go back to Original Medicare (Parts A & B). If you return to Original Medicare, you can also enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan until March 31. You can make only one coverage change during this enrollment period. The next opportunity is the Annual Enrollment Period in the fall (October 15 - December 7), unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.