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Federal Medicare offers vital health insurance to elderly and disabled Americans. Medicare affects your parent's access to healthcare, doctors, and prescription drugs. Their plan may affect any Medicare caregiver pay or specific retirement benefits. What do you need to know about Medicare Open Enrollment?
During Medicare Open Enrollment, your parent can enroll, change, or drop their plan. Options include the Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) and the Medicare Health Plan. The federal marketplace offers coverage for both the underinsured and the uninsured. Your parent can only select coverage during certain times of the year. Enrollment is not open year-round.
The Initial Enrollment Period starts when your parent becomes eligible for Medicare. This occurs three months before turning 65 and ends three months after they turn 65. Medical coverage begins the first day of the month after your parent enrolls in a Medicare plan. Options include:
If your parent has a disability and is under 65 they may be eligible for Medicare. Medicare allows your parent to sign up 24 months after receiving either Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) disability benefits or Social Security.
The Medicare Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7 yearly. If your parent enrolls during that time, they will receive coverage starting on January 1. The plan request must be received by December 7 to receive benefits. This is not a postmark date.
The easiest way to enroll for Medicare is to sign up online at www.ssa.gov or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Create a Social Security account if your parent does not have one already. Your parent will be able to access their records and view Medicare benefits. They can call to speak to an advisor that will help them find the right plan. The website allows your parent to view spouse benefits, set up a direct deposit, and review any additional retirement benefits and Medicare caregiver pay benefits.
During the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, your parent can change to a different Medicare Advantage plan or choose the Original Medicare plan. They can switch once from January 1 to March 31 each year. Sit down with your parent and review their current plan. Does it meet their medical needs? Do they need a different prescription plan? Speak with an advisor if you have questions about coverage.
Your parent can sign up for Medicare Part C & D in the initial enrollment period. The initial enrollment period runs three months before turning 65 and three months afterward. This seven-month period allows your parent to sign up for the plan that fits their needs. Part C offers the same Medicare benefits and may cover vision and dental care. Medicare Part D involves prescription drug coverage.
The Open Enrollment Period for Part C & D is between October 15 to December 7. During this time your parent can choose to:
The new coverage begins on January 1 of the upcoming year. Your parent can only make one change during this time.
People enrolled in both Medicaid and Medicare or who qualify for the Medicare Part D Extra Help program, can change their Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D coverage once per quarter. People living in nursing homes and certain other facilities may change their Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D coverage once per month.
Several special circumstances can affect your parent's Medicare coverage. These circumstances change which Medicare plans they will be able to access. To receive Medicare, your parent needs to live in the US for five consecutive years.
If your parent recently moved, their Medicare benefits may be affected. Speak with a Medicare advisor to find out if your parent has been affected. Among the circumstances that will affect your parent's coverage are:
Each of these special circumstances will affect your parent's coverage differently. Call the Social Security helpline and ask if your parent can enroll in a Medicare Plan during Medicare Open Enrollment.
In some cases, your parents may lose their Medicare healthcare coverage. Several special circumstances affect whether your parent can sign up for a program during open enrollment. Some of these circumstances include:
Losing coverage can be frustrating for you and your parent. Your loved one may incur exorbitant medical expenses, lose their primary physician, or even have their medication discontinued. Regularly monitor your parent's Medicare benefits online for any changes to coverage. If your parent has recently moved, had a change in employment, or is moving to an institution, review any changes to their Medicare plan.
During Medicare Open Enrollment your parent can choose to change plans, drop their plan, or enroll in a new plan. They can choose from a variety of prescription drugs and health coverage options. Review their updated retirement benefits and coverage online on the Social Security Website. Help your parent sign up for Medicare during the Open Enrollment period to receive the best health coverage.
