Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15-December 7, 2013) is the time when all people with Medicare are encouraged to review their current health and prescription drug coverage, including any changes in costs, coverage and benefits that will take effect next year. If you want to change your coverage for next year, this is the time to do it. If you’re satisfied that your current coverage will continue to meet your needs for next year, you don’t need to do anything. For more information on Medicare Open Enrollment, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
The Health Insurance Marketplace Open enrollment period (October 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014)
The Health Insurance Marketplace is designed to help people who don’t have any health insurance. You have health insurance through Medicare. The Marketplace won’t have any effect on your Medicare coverage. It’s against the law for someone who knows you have Medicare to sell you a Marketplace plan.
Note: The Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment period overlaps with the Medicare Open Enrollment period. Therefore, people with Medicare who are looking to make Medicare coverage changes should make sure that they are reviewing Medicare plans and not Marketplace options. The Marketplace provides new health insurance options for many Americans. If you have family and friends who don’t have health insurance, tell them to visit HealthCare.gov to learn more about their options.
(This information is provided by the United States Department of Health and Human Services)
Pinal- Gila Council for Seniors Citizens (PGCSC) has scheduled enrollment events in Pinal and Gila Counties to help with Medicare Open Enrollment. The PGCSC is part of the Arizona State Health Insurance Program (SHIP). SHIP counselors are available to conduct on-line comparisons, assist with enrollment in a plan of your choice, assistance with applications and screening for extra help programs. Be sure and bring a list of prescriptions to help with prescription drug provider comparisons.
SHIP Counselors do not recommend or endorse any particular company, plan or agent. The SHIP provides free objective information about insurance and benefits.
For Medicare Open Enrollment event locations in your area or to schedule an appointment with a SHIP Counselor contact Pinal-Gila Council for Senior Citizens at 8969 W. McCartney Road, Casa Grande, Az. 85194 (520) 836-2758 or 1-800-293-9393.