What is Medicare General Enrollment Period (GEP) or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment formerly known as the Medicare Disenrollment Period?
The Medicare General Enrollment is January 1-March 31. During this time a person can enroll in Medicare Part A and B if they delayed their enrollment when they first became eligible or if they missed their Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) when they turned 65. Coverage will not start until July 1st and a penalty is applied to their Part B premium. Also during this time, you can make changes to your existing coverage. Some people have made selections during the Annual Enrollment Period that they regret. During this time, you can switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare as long as you can pass underwriting.
What if someone is turning 65 and has coverage from an employer?
What are you currently paying out of pocket for that plan? How much comes out of your check each pay period? What do you pay in copays, coinsurance and deductibles? Do you like your network of doctors in that plan? Next, we evaluate your Part B premium. The Social Security Administration uses your income tax information from two years ago to determine your monthly premium. Now we add your Part B premium, your Supplemental premium, and your drug costs (Part D). Most of the time Original Medicare with a Supplement is the better choice and less expensive than remaining with the employer coverage.
Turning 65 is very confusing, how do they speak with you to get answers?
I give my clients a comprehensive understanding of Medicare and their choices. I want them to understand the differences between Advantage Plans and Original Medicare with a Supplemental policy. Call me to schedule an appointment, I am happy to help you navigate through and make sure you have a comprehensive understanding.
What does someone do if they are not happy with their existing coverage?
If you are looking to get on Original Medicare and a Supplement, providing that you can pass underwriting, you can do that at anytime. Call me to schedule an appointment and we can discuss what is best for you.
Karla Blake Medicare Specialist
954.612.1754. Karlablake.medicarespecialist@gmail.com. Karlablakemedicarespecialist.com.