Did you take advantage of the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), and review your plan, or even change it for next year? Great! The AEP is your opportunity to save some money and maximize your medical benefits for the new year. But what happens once the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is over? When does your new plan’s coverage begin? And what happens if you don’t like your new plan? What if you missed the AEP altogether?
Your New Plan Begins…
If you made any changes, then your new plan will begin on January 1.
The Medicare AEP ended December 7, so now you are unable to make any changes to your Medicare plan until next year. If you did decide to change your plan before the AEP ended, your plan will not begin until January 1st. What does this mean for the plan that you have decided to drop? Don’t worry, your current plan will continue to cover you until the new plan kicks in on the 1st of the new year.
But What If…
You Are Unhappy With The Plan You Chose?
If you choose a plan and then decide that you’re not happy with it, you do have options. Specifically, if you chose to enroll in Original Medicare and buy a Medicare Supplement Plan alongside it, you have the option to change your Medicare Supplement Plan to a different one that better fits your needs within 30 days of your enrollment. After 30 days, you will be subject to medical underwriting and might have to pay more because of pre-existing conditions. Remember, there are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that is right for you – simply speak to one of our agents, who will help you compare them all.
If you missed the AEP, you will have to wait until the next AEP to switch plans, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), which will allow you to sign up for a Medicare health or prescription drug plan, or change plans outside of the AEP. A few situations that might make you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period include:
You moved out of your plan’s service area.
You moved into, out of, or still live in a skilled nursing facility, or another institution such as a long-term care hospital.
You left your employer-based or union-based health insurance.
You’re moving back to the United States after living outside the country.
Your plan is losing or ending its contract with Medicare.
In addition, during the Medicare General Enrollment Period and Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 – March 31, you can drop your Medicare Advantage Plan (if you have one) and return to original Medicare.
Work With A Medicare Agent
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to Medicare coverage. You will need to review all available plans in your area and find one that fits your budget and your medical needs as much as possible for the new year. And if you missed the AEP, don’t worry: you don’t have to be trapped in a plan that isn’t right for you.
If you are looking for a plan, know that you have options, and that you don’t have to go it alone – EZ.Insure can help by providing you with a licensed agent to compare plans for you. Our agent will compare all available plans, review your specific needs, and find the perfect match that will provide the right amount of coverage, while saving you money. Our services are free and there’s no obligation. To get free instant quotes for plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar on the side, or to speak to a local licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.
Winter is coming, and so is the annual flu season. It might have been easy to forget about this seasonal virus, since Covid-19 has been the main focus in America for almost two years now, but it hasn’t gone anywhere, and experts are predicting a pretty severe flu season this year. So if you wake up one morning this winter with symptoms like a stuffy nose, fever, and cough, you’ll have to consider whether you might have a case of the flu or of Covid, since both are contagious respiratory illnesses that share similar symptoms. If you are feeling under the weather, it is important to differentiate the symptoms of these viruses, so you can get tested for Covid if need be, and get the proper treatment.
As stated earlier, the flu and Covid are both contagious respiratory viruses, but they are caused by different viruses. The flu is caused by the influenza virus, usually influenza A or influenza B, while Covid-19 is caused by a coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2; this is a novel coronavirus, meaning it has not been seen in humans before now. Because our bodies were never exposed to this virus before 2019, we have not built any antibodies to fight it, which is why the outbreak of this virus has become a global pandemic.
While the flu cannot turn into Covid, and Covid cannot turn into the flu because they are two different viruses, it is possible to be infected with both at the same time. It’s important to remember that both Covid and the flu can result in severe illness and complications, especially for older adults, people with underlying medical conditions, and pregnant people. Covid-19 can result in long-term damage to the heart, kidneys, brain, and lungs, and the flu can lead to complications such as inflammation of the heart, brain, or muscle tissue, and can even lead to multi-organ failure.
How Are These Viruses Spread?
Both the flu and Covid spread in similar ways: droplets of small virus particles from a sick person that are transmitted to another person through talking, coughing, sneezing, etc. You can also transfer the virus by touching a surface with germs on it and then touching your face, although most experts believe that Covid is mostly spread through respiratory droplets. Covid-19 spreads more easily than the flu and can cause more serious illness in some people.
How Long Is the Incubation Period?
Flu symptoms can occur 1-4 days after infection, while Covid symptoms will probably appear around 5-14 days after.
It tends to take longer after infection for someone to experience symptoms of Covid than it does with the flu. If you are infected with the flu, you will most likely experience symptoms anywhere from 1 to 4 days after infection, while if you are infected with Covid, your symptoms will probably appear around 5 days after infection; in some cases, symptoms will not appear until 14 days after infection. Symptoms will vary from person to person, so if you have fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, fatigue, confusion, headache, runny nose, or loss of taste or smell, it is important to get tested for Covid.
How Long Are You Contagious?
If you are infected with either Covid or the flu, it’s possible to spread these viruses before experiencing any symptoms. People with the flu are contagious for one day before they show symptoms; older children and adults appear to be most contagious during the initial 3 or 4 days of their illness, but remain contagious for a week. If you are infected with Covid, you could be contagious for a longer time than if you have the flu; it can also take longer to show symptoms, and you could be contagious earlier than 1 day before symptoms begin.
Similarities & Differences Between Covid & Flu Symptoms
Similarities
Many respiratory illnesses share similar symptoms: when bacteria or viruses get into your respiratory system, the whole system, including your airways, lungs, and blood vessels, is affected, resulting in similar symptoms for a head cold, the flu, and Covid. Some symptoms that both Covid-19 and the flu share include:
Fever of more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit
Chills
Headache
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Cough
Sore throat
Muscle pain and body aches
Fatigue (extreme tiredness or lack of energy) and weakness
Nausea or vomiting (more common in children than adults)
Diarrhea (more common in children than adults)
Both illnesses can result in pneumonia, and both can be asymptomatic, mild, severe, or even fatal, depending on the person.
Differences In Symptoms
While both viruses often have similar symptoms, there are some key differences to help identify each. Specifically, the flu will usually come on suddenly and appear anywhere from 1 to 4 days after infection, while Covid symptoms can be more gradual and can develop 2 days after you’ve been infected, or not show for up to 14 days after infection. You can also look for the following differences:
Type of cough– The flu will produce a mild, dry cough, while Covid’s is also dry, but more severe, and can leave you short of breath.
Unique symptoms– Covid will cause unique symptoms that are not as common with the flu, including shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, repeated shaking with chills, and new and sudden loss of taste or smell.
If you are wondering if you might have a common cold, the main difference between a cold and these other viruses is that a common cold will cause a phlegm or mucus-filled cough, while with Covid or the flu the cough is normally dry.
The flu and Covid are treated differently, depending on your symptoms. There are oral antiviral medications available for the flu, but antivirals for Covid are still in the testing stages. If your illness is severe, you might need to go to the hospital and possibly be put on a ventilator to help you breathe.
There are vaccines available for both Covid and the flu, which can help prevent infection, or at least help lessen symptoms and usually prevent hospitalization.
What To Do If You Experience Symptoms
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, there are a couple of steps that you should take, including:
Staying home– If you have a fever, it is important to stay home in order not to spread the virus, whether it is Covid or the flu. Even if you don’t have a fever but have other symptoms, try to refrain from going out.
Calling your doctor– You can call your doctor or Telehealth doctors, and notify them of your symptoms. Your doctor will write you a prescription to get tested for Covid, and schedule a testing appointment for you.
Getting tested– If you don’t want to call your doctor, you can schedule the testing yourself at any testing center or some drug stores. Some tests are completely free whether you have health insurance or not.
Seeking medical attention– If your symptoms do not go away or are severe, seek medical attention right away, whether at an urgent care or hospital.
Medicare services will cover testing and vaccinations for the flu and Covid-19 at no cost to you! These are just some of the services covered by Medicare, but it’s important to remember that not everything is covered. You will have out-of-pocket expenses, such as your Part B deductible and 20% Part B coinsurance, which can add up to a lot over the year, so it’s definitely worth looking into a Medicare Supplement Plan to save as much money as you can. Come to EZ and talk to one of our agents: we work with the top-rated companies in the nation and can compare plans in minutes for you at no cost. To get free instant quotes for plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar on the side, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.
Medicare Supplement Plans are an undeniably great way to save money on the medical expenses you incur throughout the year. Having one can help you save hundreds of dollars, especially if you have a chronic condition that requires a lot of medical attention. One important question, though, is if Medicare Supplement Plans are accepted by all doctors, since seeing a doctor who does not accept your plan could mean a huge bill that you have to pay out-of- pocket. And if you’re living on a fixed income, that’s the last thing you need! Find out just how Medicare Supplement Plans work with all doctors.
How Medicare Supplement Plans Work
Medicare Supplement Plans will cover the 20% coinsurance that Original Medicare does not cover.
There are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans; each plan offers different coverage and rates. You’ll pay a monthly premium for your Medicare Supplement Plan, and in return, the plan pays most of your expenses that are not covered by Medicare Parts A & B. For example, if you have a $4,000 ambulance bill and have already met your annual Medicare Part B deductible, Medicare Part B will pay 80% of the bill. This leaves you to pay the remaining 20%, $800, out-of-pocket. But if you have a Medicare Supplement Plan that covers Part B copayments and coinsurance, it will pay the remaining $800.
Skilled nursing facility costs after you run out of Medicare-covered days
Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs (up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up)
Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments
Part B excess charges
Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayments
Blood (first 3 pints)
Some will cover:
Foreign travel emergencies (up to plan limits)
Do All Doctors Accept Medicare Supplement Plans?
Now onto the really important part! You should be aware that not all doctors accept Medicare Supplement Plans, so before you purchase one, make sure that your doctor and other providers will accept it. Fortunately, though, 95-96% of doctors and hospitals will accept Medicare Supplement Plans: the general rule is that if the doctor accepts Medicare assignment, they will automatically accept your Medicare Supplement Plan, regardless of your insurance company.
The important thing is not to fall into the trap that some people fall into, and assume that all doctors accept Medicare. Some do not, and those who don’t accept Medicare will bill you up to 15% more than Medicare’s approved amount, and you will have to pay for all of their services out-of-pocket.
If you are interested in finding out if the doctors or providers you see accept Medicare, speak to an EZ agent. Our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the country, and can make sure that the doctor you want to see is covered, so you don’t end up with any extra or unexpected fees. We will also compare all available Medicare Supplement Plans in your area and find the one that is right for you. No obligation, and no hassle. To get free instant quotes on plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code on the side, or to speak to a local licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.
Did you know that there is more than one type of Medicare enrollment period? When you first enroll in Medicare, this can seem confusing: for example, there is a Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, or AEP, an annual event during which you can make changes to your Medicare plan, but there is also the Medicare General Enrollment Period, or GEP, which runs at a different time and has a different purpose. It is important to differentiate between the two, so you don’t make a mistake and miss out on making necessary changes to your plan, or on possible savings.
You have different options during the Medicare AEP, and can make a change to better suit your needs.
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs every year from October 15th to December 7th. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries who are already enrolled in Medicare can make changes to their Medicare coverage. If you do decide to switch plans during the AEP, your new plan will go into effect on January 1st, but you don’t have to make any changes if you are satisfied with your current plan.
Switch from Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to a Medicare Advantage Plan
Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare, as well as enroll in Part D or a Medicare Supplement Plan alongside Original Medicare when you switch
Switch your current Medicare Advantage Plan to a different one
Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that includes drug coverage to one that does not
Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that does not include drug coverage to one that does
The Medicare GEP offers you a second chance to enroll in Medicare in case you missed the opportunity to sign up for Medicare.
Now to take a look at the Medicare General Enrollment Period, or GEP, which runs every year from January 1st to March 31st. If you missed the opportunity to sign up for Medicare Parts A or B when you were first eligible to, this time of year is your chance to do so. Once you enroll in a plan, your coverage will begin on July 1st.
If you did not enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period when you turned 65 years old, you should absolutely take advantage of this time. Keep in mind, though, that while the GEP is a second chance to enroll in Medicare, you will still have to pay a Part B late fee, which is based on how many years you went without enrolling after turning 65.
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is a very important time for you to look for a plan that better suits your needs, and save some money. Right before the AEP starts in October, you should take the time to review your Medicare Annual Notice of Change, which is a letter you will receive noting any changes to your coverage and benefits that will take effect next year. You should think about what you most need covered, as well as check your plan’s drug formulary to make sure your medications will still be covered, and if you find that your current plan will not meet your needs next year, you’ll need to begin searching for a new Medicare plan. If you need help comparing plans, EZ can help – we will provide you with an agent who will compare plans in your area for free. No obligation. To get free instant quotes for plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar on the side, or to speak to a local licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.
Do you know the difference between the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, or AEP, and the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, or OEP? Unfortunately, some Medicare beneficiaries are unaware of the difference, and this lack of knowledge can often mean losing out on money and coverage. There are different time frames for these enrollment periods, as well as different things that you can and cannot do during each period; knowing the difference between the two can help you be better prepared, so you can save money, and get the right coverage for you.
The Medicare AEP & What You Can Do
Medicare AEP is the only time you have the ability to change your Medicare plan to a better option.
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is an 8-week period that occurs every year from October 15th through December 7th, and is the time of year when you can make changes to your current Medicare plan. You will receive an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter in the mail in September, which will explain all the changes that will be made to your current plan’s coverage and costs for the following year; make sure you review this so you know whether your plan will still work for you in the new year.
Switch from Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to a Medicare Advantage Plan
Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare, as well as enroll in Part D or a Medicare Supplement Plan alongside Original Medicare when you switch
Switch your current Medicare Advantage Plan to a different one
Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that includes drug coverage to one that does not
Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that does not include drug coverage to one that does
If you do choose to make any changes and switch to a new plan, your new plan will go into effect on January 1st.
The Medicare OEP & What You Can Do
The Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is a little more complicated than the Medicare AEP, because there are two different Open Enrollment Periods: one for Medicare Supplement Plans and one for Medicare Advantage Plans.
The Medicare Supplement OEP is a 6-month period that begins the month you turn 65 years old, and continues through the following 5 months. This is the time when you have guaranteed issue, meaning you can buy a Medicare Supplement Plan without having to answer any health questions. You do have the option to enroll in a Medicare Supplement Plan at any point during the year, but you will be asked questions regarding your health, which can result in denial of coverage, or a higher premium rate for the plan.
There are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans to choose from, so what happens if you choose one and then decide that it’s not for you? Can you change it? Yes, you can make as many changes as you want during your Medicare OEP, as long as you are still within the 6-month window; whatever plan you ultimately choose will go into effect the 1st of the following month.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period starts on January 1st and runs through March 31st annually. Plans will go into effect the following month. During this time you can:
Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another
Cancel your stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan
Drop your Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare
Enroll in a stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
If you disenroll from your Medicare Advantage Plan, you can switch to Original Medicare, and then enroll in a Medicare Supplement Plan alongside Parts A and B if you wish to save more money. If you switch within the first 12 months of joining your Medicare Advantage Plan, you can purchase a Medicare Supplement Plan without underwriting.
Medicare can be confusing: there are multiple enrollment periods, and a lot of choices to make when it comes to coverage, which is why it’s important to seek the help of an agent who can help make sense of it all. EZ offers licensed agents who can advise you of all the different options you have, including ways to get more (or less) coverage, and save as much money as possible. No obligation. To get free instant quotes for plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar on the side, or to speak to a local licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.
You probably mark all of the important dates in your life, such as your family’s birthdays and doctor appointments, in your calendar. But how about all of the Medicare enrollment period dates? If you’re 65 or older (or about to turn 65), these dates should be in your calendar, as well! For starters, the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period begins on October 15, so right now you should be reviewing your coverage and considering any changes you want to make – but there are other enrollment periods that you should be aware of. For example, if you missed the opportunity to sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period, you can still sign up during the General Enrollment Period. Don’t miss the following Medicare enrollment periods, because doing so could end up costing you money!
1. Initial Enrollment Period
Your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period begins 3 months before turning 65, the month you turn 65 and 3 months following.
If you’re about to turn 65, the time to enroll in Medicare is now! You have a 7-month window during which you can enroll: the 3 months before you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and the 3 months after you turn 65. During your Initial Enrollment Period, you can:
Enroll in Medicare Parts A and B
Enroll in a Medicare Part D Plan
Enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan, also known as Part C
Unless you are exempt because you are still working, you will face a penalty fee if you don’t sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period: your monthly Part B premiums will be around 10% higher for each 12-month period you could’ve had Part B but weren’t enrolled.
Once you’ve enrolled in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period, the next thing you should look into is a Medicare Supplement Plan – these plans can help you save hundreds of dollars each year on the medical expenses that Original Medicare does not cover. While you can purchase a Medicare Supplement Plan at any time, the best time to buy one is during your Open Enrollment Period, which begins the month you turn 65 and extends for the next 5 months. Buying during this Open Enrollment Period will ensure that you have guaranteed issue, meaning you will not have to answer any medical questions to qualify for a plan.
There are 10 different plans to choose from, all with different levels of coverage and pricing, so you are sure to find one that meets your specific needs.
3. General Enrollment Period
If you missed the IEP, you can enroll in Medicare during the GEP, which runs from January 1 to March 31.
Did you miss the chance to enroll in Medicare when you turned 65? No worries, you have the opportunity to sign up for Parts A and/or B during the General Enrollment Period. This period begins January 1st and ends March 31st each year, with coverage beginning July 1st. Be aware that you still might have to pay the fees mentioned above if you enroll during General Enrollment, since you did not sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period.
4. Annual Enrollment Period
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 to December 7, is the time when you can make changes to your plan so that it better suits your needs. For example, if your income has changed, or if you need more coverage, this is the perfect time to change plans so you can get what’s best for you. During this time you can:
Switch to a Medicare Advantage Plan from Original Medicare, or vice versa.
Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan with prescription drug coverage to one without, or vice versa.
Join or drop a Medicare prescription (Part D) drug plan.
Switch to a new plan from your current insurer, or switch to a new insurer.
When you switch to Original Medicare during the AEP, you can also purchase a Medicare Supplement Plan. If you change plans during the Annual Enrollment Period, your new coverage will begin January 1st.
5. Special Enrollment Period
There are specific events that will open up a Special Enrollment Period for you, allowing you to enroll in Medicare or change plans outside of the typical enrollment periods. You can join, switch, or drop plans if:
You have moved outside of your plan’s service area
You lost your healthcare or prescription drug coverage because you left your job, or because your insurer went out of business or committed fraud
You will have 60 days to sign up for a new plan after the above instances occur; after 60 days, you will no longer be given guaranteed issue, and you will be subject to medical questions.
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period occurs annually from January 1st through March 31st. During this time, you can switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another plan, or opt to drop your plan and enroll in Original Medicare.
If you are looking to enroll in Medicare, purchase a Medicare Supplement Plan, or are just weighing your options before the AEP is over, EZ can help. Our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the country, and can compare all available plans in your area, at no cost to you. We will go over your medical and financial needs, and help you find a plan that checks all of the boxes. To get free instant quotes on plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code on the side, or to speak to a local licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.
Getting tested
