Welcome to our Medicare Open Enrollment Information Center, an educational resource to assist residents of Congressional District 9 who are enrolling in Medicare or making changes to their Medicare coverage.
The 2014 Medicare Open Enrollment period begins Wednesday, October 15, 2014 and ends Sunday, December 7, 2014.
If you have questions about your Medicare coverage, are experiencing problems with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services or are unable to find answers to your questions on this page, please call our Phoenix office: 602-956-2285.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Medicare Open Enrollment?
- What actions can I take during Medicare Open Enrollment?
- If I have a Medicare Advantage plan, can I switch to Original Medicare during the Open Enrollment period?
- What are my options if my Medicare Advantage plan is ending at the end of this year?
- If I am unhappy with my Medicare Advantage plan can I switch plans?
- If I am satisfied with my Medicare coverage, do I need to make any changes during Medicare’s open enrollment?
- If I change my Medicare plan during open enrollment, when will my new coverage start?
- If I change my Medicare Part D plan during Medicare's open enrollment (between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7), when will my new coverage start?
- If I drop my Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage during Medicare’s Open Enrollment, can I pick it up in the future without a penalty?
- When and how often can I switch my Medicare prescription drug plan?
- If I switch from Original Medicare with Medigap coverage to Medicare Advantage should I keep my Medigap coverage?
- If I have a Medigap plan and cancel it, can I get it back during open enrollment?
- Do I have to reenroll in my Medicare Part D prescription drug plan every year?
Benefit Assistance Program
The Benefits Assistance Program provides objective information about Medicare and other health insurance benefits to seniors, the disabled, and caregivers. Trained volunteers are available at a number of locations throughout Maricopa County to provide free personalized assistance.
Services include:
- Information about Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans (HMOs, PPOs, etc.), Medicare Supplement plans (Medigap), and options under Medicare Assistance with Medicare appeals and problem resolutions
- Basic information on applying for Social Security, Medicare and SSI
- Information and assistance on Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
- Information on eligibility for low income related programs including Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Arizona Medicaid (AHCCCS), Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS), and the Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, and QI-1)
- Information on Long Term Care policies
Benefits Assistance counselors do not sell and will not recommend one product over another. The program provides assistance and information to help clients make informed decisions.
For referrals in areas of the county not listed or to make arrangements for a homebound person, call the Benefits Assistance Program at (602) 264-4357.
Source: Area Agency on Aging, Region 1Required Form
Counselor Locations
Trained volunteer counselors provide individual assistance on these sometimes confusing policies and forms, offering free personalized assistance. The average client receives 45 minutes of free assistance, but problems or appeals can be complex, involving many hours and coordination between multiple agencies.
Trained volunteers can be found at a number of locations throughout Maricopa County to provide free personalized assistance. Click here for an up-to-date list of counseling locations.
A map of counseling locations is below:Other Resources
Phone Numbers
- Our Phoenix District Office
- (602) 956-2285
- Area Agency on Aging, Region One (Arizona)
- (602) 264-4357
- Medicare Hotline
- 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048)
- Social Security Administration Hotline
- 1-800-772-1213
- AZ State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Hotline
- 1-800-432-4040
Links
- Area Agency on Aging, Region One (Arizona)
- AZ State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
- AARP's Medicare Eligibility and Enrollment Page
- United Healthcare's Medicare Open Enrollment Checklist
- Eldercare.gov
- Medicare Insider: What services are and aren't covered
- Medicare Extra Help - Social Security Administration