It Is Not Too Late, Sign Up Today

Medicare Enrollment Deadline THIS WEEK:
Thursday, December 7

Dear Fellow Vermonter,

This year, the Medicare Open Enrollment period will remain open THROUGH THIS THURSDAY, December 7, 2023, with coverage changes taking effect January 1, 2024. What does this mean?

Well, first it means that it is not too late to sign up.

It means that if you qualify for Medicare, now is the time to review your coverage options and make a choice that best meets your health care needs. It also means that if you have been unhappy with your plan – including if you signed up for a Medicare Advantage plan last year to save money on premiums, only to find that these plans offered far less generous coverage – you can use open enrollment to change plans.

Learn More About Your Medicare Options

Medicare Open Enrollment will remain open through Thursday, December 7, 2023 with coverage changes taking effect January 1, 2024. Medicare’s Open Enrollment period gives people the opportunity to make changes to their health plan or prescription drug plan, pick a Medicare Advantage plan, or return to Original Medicare (also referred to as Medicare Part A and Part B). Even if your health needs have not changed, it is important to review your coverage options as Medicare plans can change their offerings and costs every year.

• Age Eligibility: Even though Medicare is health insurance for people 65 or older, eligibility to sign up for Medicare begins three months before you turn 65. You also may be eligible to get Medicare earlier if you have a disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or ALS.
  
  
• Limited Income Enrollees: Medicare enrollees with limited income and resources may qualify for a Medicare Savings Program run by their state Medicaid program. The Medicare Savings Programs help pay Medicare premiums and may also pay Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments if people meet the conditions of eligibility. People can contact their state Medicaid program or call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask about Medicare Savings Programs.
  
  
• Part D Extra Help: The Extra Help program helps with the cost of prescription drugs, including plan premiums, deductibles, and copays, if you meet the income and other conditions of eligibility. People can apply online www.ssa.gov/medicare/part-d-extra-help or by contacting Social Security 1-800-772-1213 for assistance.
  
  

Comparing Plans and Doing Your Research

• Go to Medicare.gov to learn the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, and do side-by-side comparisons of costs and coverage for Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans. Call 1-800-MEDICARE for assistance, available 24 hours a day.
  
  
• Access personalized health insurance counseling at no cost, available from the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Call the Senior Helpline at 1-800-642-5119 to get started. Many SHIPs also offer virtual counseling.
  
  
• Check eligibility for Medicare Savings Programs. If you have limited income and resources, you could qualify for Medicare Saving Programs run by your state Medicaid program. These programs could help save you money on health and prescription drug costs and/or could reduce your Part B premium from $175 to $0. For more information, call the Vermont Medicaid program at 1-855-899-9600 or call the Senior Helpline at 1-800-642-5119 and ask about Medicare Savings Programs.
  
  
• Ensure the information you are looking at is unbiased, impartial, and accurate. It is important to keep a look out for websites tied to particular insurers or online agencies that may have strong incentives to push certain plans. Again, the best place to start is by visiting Medicare.gov, calling the Senior Helpline at 1-800-642-5119 or contacting your local Area Agency on Aging.