Medicare Open Enrollment is the one time each year that you can review available Medicare plans and choose the best plan for you. This year Open Enrollment starts on October 15 and lasts until December 7th. Eligible Americans can choose new health coverage plans for 2013 or update old ones, learn about increased discounts on prescription drugs if they have reached the "donut hole," and access new tools to navigate a wide selection of high quality options. Here are some great resources to help you with your decision.
Medicare Resources:
The Medicare & You Handbook - This handbook was created by Medicare. It includes information on how to switch plans, as well as details on medical and pharmaceutical coverage.
Medicare's Open Enrollment Center - Medicare has created a section on their website, www.medicare.gov, dedicated to your Open Enrollment questions.
Search for Medicare Plans by Zip Code
Medicare Hotline: Call 1-800-Medicare - The Medicare hotline provides one-on-one counseling for your Medicare Open Enrollment questions. You can call this number 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please note that they can answer your questions in a variety of languages.
Resources for Washingtonians:
Medicare Open Enrollment Events - SHIBA, Washington's Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors, is sponsoring free Open Enrollment events across the state to answer your questions in person.
Washington state seniors and disabled residents deserve a Medicare system that works for them. That’s why I remain committed to working with my colleagues to support and strengthen Medicare for current and future beneficiaries.