Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) FAQ

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) FAQ text overlaying image of building blocks with faq written on them. If this is your first year participating in the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), you may be confused about what you need to do. Getting the information you need is crucial if you want to make sure your Medicare plan is ready for the upcoming year. You could lose hundreds of dollars if you don’t fully understand the AEP and don’t take advantage of it. We have compiled and addressed some of the most commonly asked questions we receive this time of year in an effort to better prepare you for the AEP. 

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What Is The AEP?

A specified window of time known as the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) allows people to modify their Medicare coverage. It enables Medicare enrollees to change their plan selections to better meet their medical needs. The AEP can be used by eligible people to switch, enroll in, or disenroll from any Medicare plan. Including Original Medicare (Parts A and B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), and Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D). Including the options to enroll in or modify Medicare prescription medication coverage, move between Medicare Advantage plans, and convert from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage. 

When Is The AEP?

Every year, the AEP takes place from October 15 to December 7. Unless you are eligible for a Special Election Period (SEP), the AEP is usually your opportunity to make these adjustments if, during your initial enrollment period, you did not enroll in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare prescription drug plan. Any modifications you make during the AEP take effect on January 1st of the following year.

Why Is The AEP So Important?

There are several reasons you might think about changing your Medicare coverage since your healthcare needs change over time. All Medicare beneficiaries should be aware of the costs associated with premiums, deductibles, and copayments. If your current plan is too costly, moving to a more affordable alternative can help you control your medical spending. When you undergo specific health changes, switching Medicare plans can also be helpful. Some people have pre-existing ailments that get worse with time, or they develop chronic conditions. In these situations, you might want to think about moving to a Medicare plan that provides better coverage along with condition-specific care management services. By doing this, you can make sure that you have access to the care, drugs, and assistance you need to maintain your health.

What’s The Difference Between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?

Original Medicare consists of two portions that are provided by the federal government: Part A and Part B. Hospital insurance, or Part A, is typically premium-free and includes skilled nursing facility care, inpatient hospital treatment, lab testing, surgery, and home health care. As long as you worked 10 years and paid Medicare taxes. Part B medical insurance has a monthly payment that is determined by your income and covers physician services, outpatient treatment, medical equipment, home health care, and certain preventive services. Under a contract with the federal government, private insurance firms offer Medicare Advantage Plans, often known as Medicare Part C. In addition to other benefits like dental, hearing, vision, and/or prescription medication coverage, they cover the same benefits as Medicare Parts A and B.

Do I Have To Change My Coverage?

No, if you are happy with your current Medicare plan, you don’t need to change it. However, you should be aware of any impending changes for the future year and shop around to make sure you are getting the features you need at a reasonable cost.

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What Are The New Medicare Changes In 2024? 

Every year, the Medicare program in the United States may alter somewhat or significantly. Before AEP, every year the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announces these changes in September and October. Increases in Part B and Part A cost-sharing, higher Part B premiums (but flat or slightly lower Part A premiums), modified income-related premium surcharges for Part B and Part D, the removal of Medicare Part D coinsurance once an enrollee reaches the catastrophic coverage level, and expanded availability of the full Low-Income Subsidy (Extra Help) for Part D prescription drug coverage are some of the changes to 2024 Medicare coverage.

Medicare Part A Changes

Certain home healthcare services, skilled nursing facilities, and inpatient hospitals are covered by Medicare Part A. For those who have worked for 40 quarters or more who are insured by Medicare, there is no premium for Medicare Part A. CMS estimates that 99% of Medicare enrollees do not pay a Medicare Part A premium. CMS said that the monthly Part A payment, which is paid by beneficiaries with less than 30 quarters of Medicare-covered employment and some individuals with disabilities, will drop to $505 in 2024 by $1. Your premiums stay at $278 if you or your spouse have worked 30 to 39 quarters. The Medicare Part A deductible for inpatient hospital services will rise to $1,632 by an additional $32. The daily coinsurance payments for Part A will be as follows:

 

  • $408 for days 61–90 of hospitalization during a benefit period
  • $816 for lifetime reserve days
  • $204 for days 21–100 of extended care services in a skilled nursing facility during a benefit period

Medicare Part B Changes

Medicare Part B is medical insurance, which pays for doctor visits along with other services and supplies that are required for medical care. It also includes ambulance services and preventive treatment to avoid illness. In addition, several kinds of outpatient prescription medication, mental health coverage, and durable medical equipment are included. Medicare Part B is going to get more expensive in 2024. In 2024, the average monthly premium for Medicare Part B will be $174.70, representing a nearly 6% increase over the 2023 payment. The Medicare Part B premium was $164.90 in 2023. Additionally, the yearly Medicare Part B deductible will rise from $226 in 2023 to $240 in 2024. Increases in spending are the main cause of cost changes.

Medicare Advantage Changes

Under a contract with Medicare, private businesses provide Medicare Advantage plans (Part C). Medicare Advantage plans, which offer Part A, B, and occasionally D (drug) benefits, are enrolled by around 50% of Medicare beneficiaries. Lower rates and appealing extras like gym memberships, dental, vision, and hearing coverage are features found in most policies. 

 

Selecting “in-network” providers is a requirement of MA plans. You might have to pay extra or not receive coverage at all if you travel outside the network or coverage area of the plan. According to CMS reports, it expects Medicare Advantage premiums to remain relatively unchanged in 2024 compared to 2023. Medicare Advantage monthly premium averages should be $18.50 in 2024 as opposed to $17.86 in 2023. For over 73% of beneficiaries, there will be no rise at all.

Medicare Part D Changes

CMS anticipates a decrease in Part D premiums in 2024 to $55.50 in 2024 from $56.49 in 2023. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 caused multiple policy adjustments, which is why there has been a drop. In 2024, new cost-sharing restrictions take effect. There is a temporary cap on the amount of coverage provided by Medicare prescription drug plans, known as a coverage gap. This coverage gap is called the “donut hole.”

 

The donut hole begins when your insurer and you spend $5,030 on covered pharmaceuticals, which is more than the $4,660 in 2023. Following $5,030, you will have to pay a part of your prescription medications out of pocket, up to the amount specified by your plan. Upon reaching this threshold, whether you purchase your prescriptions from a pharmacy or online, you won’t be required to pay more than 25% of the total cost of the medication (brand-name and generic). Once you cross that threshold, your coverage resumes. 

 

You get into the catastrophic coverage phase once you’ve spent the maximum amount of money you can for covered medications ($8,000 in 2024). This stage results in the elimination of cost-sharing for approved medications in 2024. More individuals will also be eligible for expansion of Extra Help in 2024. This will allow Medicare beneficiaries who meet certain requirements can receive fixed lower copayments instead of a premium and deductible. Participants can save roughly $300 a year on average.

Can I Change My Medicare Plan Outside of The AEP?

It depends on the situation. You will have the opportunity to make adjustments during your Special Enrollment Period, for instance, if you move outside of the coverage area of your plan or if you no longer qualify for coverage for any other reason. Of course, you can always leave a Medicare Advantage Plan, prescription drug plan, or Supplemental Plan whenever you choose, but you can’t join or modify them unless you are eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (AEP). 

How Do I Enroll During The AEP?

It is possible to enroll in a Medicare plan through assessing your options and selecting one on your own, but working with a qualified Medicare agent is recommended to avoid missing out on a fantastic, cost-effective plan. The Medicare representatives at EZ can help you every step of the way and compare all of your Medicare options. As well as help you find a Medicare Supplement Plan from the best insurance providers in the nation. 

Working With EZ

If you have any additional questions about medicare & medicare supplement plans feel free to reach out to an EZ agent. Our local agents are here to help you compare plans, find plans that fit in your budget, go over your coverage, and keep you up to date with everything you need to know about your plan. To get a medicare supplement quote online you can enter your zip code in the bar below. To speak to a live agent you can give us a call at 877-670-3602.

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Medicare Scams And How To Avoid Them

medicare scams and how to avoid them text overlaying image of a hacker behind a computer Fraudsters can make a lot of money off of Medicare fraud, which poses a big problem for Medicare enrollees and taxpayers alike. If thieves get their hands on your Medicare number, they can be worth a lot of money. With these numbers Medicare can be billed for services that never even happened. Then the thieves keep the money for themselves. And taxpayers are the ones that pay. The more money that goes towards false health care claims, the less money there is for real health care needs. In the long run, this can lead to higher premiums and stricter rules for Medicare enrollees. So, to help you avoid these scams let’s look at the most common scams and how to avoid them. 

Billing Scams

These scammers network with crooked medical professionals who will bill Medicare for services or medical equipment that they never gave. Scammers can also pretend to be a hospital or medical office and send you a fake bill. They count on the chance that you will pay any bill you get without double checking it against your medical records. So, it’s important to keep track of how you use your Medicare. If you have Original Medicare (Parts A and B), every 3 months you will receive a Medicare Summary Notice (MSN). Or if you have Medicare Advantage, you will get a monthly Explanation of Benefits (EOB). 

 

The MSN and EOB are not bills, instead they are an itemized list with information about Medicare services charged under your Medicare number during those time periods. Specifically, they include how much Medicare paid for your care and how much you owe. If you get a bill that doesn’t match your MSN or EOB, or if the MSN and EOB show services you didn’t receive it could be a scam and you need to contact Medicare to report it.

In-Person Scams

Sometimes these scammers will come directly to your home pretending to be from Medicare or a healthcare company working for Medicare. Be wary! They might try to sell you a service or offer “free” services to get your attention. This is just an attempt to get your personal information. Medicare will never send someone to your house to sell you anything. 

 

Any home health services covered by Medicare will be scheduled ahead of time. Things like nursing care and physical therapy will always be scheduled, you will be expecting them. They will also never ask you about your finances or any personal information as their company will already have all of your information on file.

Phone Scams

Medicare will never call you unless you’ve specifically requested a phone call. If the Social Security Administration needs more information to process your Medicare application they will first send you a letter to set up a time to talk to you on the phone. Other than that the only calls you can expect from Medicare are ones you have personally set up by either requesting a call in writing or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

 

Even when you do get a formal Medicare call (which is rare), they will never ask for credit card or banking information. Scammers will typically try to get you to share this information, as well as your Social Security and Medicare numbers. Don’t share this information with anyone. To keep yourself safe, make sure you know who is calling you. To be extra sure, you can tell the caller that you will call Medicare directly to handle whatever the problem is. This way when you call you know the number is actually Medicare.

Marketing Scams

Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15th to December 7th every year. Seniors will get a lot of mail about different Medicare plans at this time of year. Some of this information may be legitimate, but some can also be scams. It’s important to separate fact from fiction. If you are new to Medicare, the best way to make sure that you’re getting real information is to use the Medicare Plan Finder. This is the official government site that has all the information about available MEdicare plans. 

 

An even better way to confirm all the information is real is by working with a licensed agent, such as EZ. You can make sure they are real by checking credentials with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and remember, never give out information to anyone calling unsolicited. 

Email Scams

Spam emails are another way that people try to get your Medicare number or other personal information. The email might say it comes from a doctor’s office, a state or local health agency, a hospital, or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The email scam could come in many different forms, such as a request for personal information because you need a new Medicare card or because changes to Medicare mean you should get money back.

 

No matter what the reason, it’s not right. Nobody from the government, a service provider, or an insurance company will ever send you an email asking for your Medicare number, bank account information, or other personal information. Again, the best thing to do is to close the email without replying or clicking on any of the enclosed links. If you want to know if the email is legitimate, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE or the number on the back of your card.

Tips To Avoid Medicare Scams

There are a handful of ways to avoid Medicare scams. We’ve briefly mentioned them above but here’s a full look at tips to keep you safe.

1.Protect Your Medicare Card

Your Medicare card is just as important as your Social Security Card. Just like you’d never keep your SS card out, do the same with your Medicare Card. Never give your Medicare number out to anyone who isn’t your doctor or an authorized Medicare agent.

2. Be Wary Of Phone Calls

If a government agency or insurance company needs to confirm information, especially sensitive information like a social security or Medicare number, they will send you a letter. Uncle Sam doesn’t make phone calls to people who haven’t asked for them. The Social Security Administration, the IRS, or Medicare will only call you if you have already talked to them and given them permission to call you again. And if Medicare really does call you back, they already have your Medicare number and other personal information on file.

3. You Don’t Need To Activate Your Medicare Card

Scammers often pretend to be from Medicare to get you to “activate” your Medicare card for a fee. Your Medicare card is not a debit card. There is no activation needed to use it and you’ll never have to pay to use your Medicare card.

4. Medicare Reps Are Not Salesmen

Medicare will never contact you trying to sell your services or plans. Your Medicare is something you seek out on your own; they do not try to sell you specific services. The only people that should recommend medical services or products is your doctor.

5. Analyze Medicare Statements

Medicare or your private insurance company sends you claims summary statements with information about the health care you have received. Pay close attention. It’s important to make sure you get all the services and goods that are provided. Report anything you think might be a mistake.

Reporting Medicare Fraud

If you think something is wrong with a Medicare bill, you should first call your doctor, provider, or the facility to see if there was a mistake. You might also want to talk to the people in charge of billing. If you have Original Medicare and are still worried, you can talk to the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC). Your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) has information about the MAC, which is the company that handled your Medicare claim. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

 

If you are still worried and have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can talk to your plan directly. The phone number for your plan should be on the back of your benefit card and on your EOB (Explanation of Benefits. To report fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227), the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Resource Center (877-808-2468), or the Inspector General’s fraud hotline at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (447-8477). If you don’t want to, Medicare won’t use your name in an investigation.

Let EZ Help

Medicare is great, but sometimes it can be hard to understand. Even after signing up, you’ll still have to make some decisions about your health care. Don’t worry. Talk to an EZ agent who can tell you what you need to do to sign up and explain everything to you. EZ can help you enroll, buy a Medicare Supplement Plan, or just think about your options. Our insurance agents work with the best firms in the country. You can get a free comparison of all the plans in your area from them. We’ll talk with you about your medical and financial needs and help you find a plan that meets them all. Call one of our licensed agents at 877-670-3602 to get started.

5 Things to Consider Before Medicare Annual Enrollment

The Medicare Annual Enrollment is a time for seniors to take a look at their health care needs and coverage. It is starting in a few weeks, beginning October 15th and ending on December 7th. So, now is a good time to start thinking about all the things that you need to consider beforehand so you are fully prepared and have all the coverage you need without any extra out-of-pocket cost.

1. Check to see if your plan’s benefit or cost has changed. illustration of a hand looking at paperwork

Has your current plan premium gone up? Or has your plan gotten rid of some benefits that you might need? Reviewing a change to your Medicare coverage is a major consideration because your Medicare Plan may have changed from the previous year which can affect your coverage and how much you pay out of pocket. Once you review your current plan, and have come to the conclusion that there are significant changes that are out of your budget and needs, then it may be time to shop for a new plan.

2.  See if your prescription drug coverage has changed.

It is no secret that prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries have been on the rise. It is important to review and make sure that your drugs are still covered and also to see if your medication copays have changed or moved to a different drug tier. Also, you will want to double-check and make sure that your preferred pharmacy is still covered under your current plan.

3.  Make sure your doctor is still in your network.

Doctors, hospitals, and other health providers can shift in and out of networks. It is important to make sure that your current doctor that you want to keep seeing is still within your network and is not leaving for the following year.

4.  Consider your costs. papers behind a calculator

Going to the doctor is important, but sometimes if you have a chronic condition, then it is more necessary than others to see the doctor and receive medication regularly. Consider how much you spent annually on premiums, co-pays, and deductibles because sometimes the cost will add up to more than you think. If so then it is time to consider other options to see if there is a plan that is cheaper or has the benefits that you need for your health care needs.

5. Travel Plans

Are you considering traveling in the near future? When you are traveling with Medicare, it can be tricky. That is why it is important to understand how each plan’s travel coverage works. original Medicare does not cover services overseas, however, some Medicare Supplement Plans will. 

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.

What’s the Difference Between the Medicare AEP and the Medicare General Enrollment Period?

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.

What Is The Medicare AEP?

yellow sign with arrows and question marks at the end of the arrows
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. 

During the AEP, you can make the following changes:

  • 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

What Is The Medicare GEP?

sign with 2 signs on the pole that say chance on each of them
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.

The 6 Medicare Enrollment Periods You NEED To Know

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

the numbers 65 in gold floating in the air with balloons tied to it
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.

2. Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period

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

calendar with march 31 as the date and a pen clipped on it
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:moving boxes on a red hand truck

  • 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. 

6. Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment

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.

Avoid These 3 Big Mistakes During Medicare Open Enrollment

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is the time to review your current Medicare plan and research what options are available to you. Doing this is the best way to get all the benefits you want for next year, while still saving as much money as possible. But, while you’re doing all this, you need to be aware of three major mistakes that you could make during the AEP that will cost you in the long run. EZ can help you prevent these major mistakes, make the whole process easier, and sign you up for a plan that is right for you, for free. 

1. Ignoring The AEP

ignorance written on a sign with a red line through it
Ignoring the Medicare AEP can lead to some financial losses.

We get it, the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is not the most exciting time, but it is a very important time; if you choose to ignore it, you could end up facing some financial and medical consequences. Sure, if you are currently enrolled in a plan, your coverage will just automatically renew, but not reviewing it could result in you either paying more for your plan next year than expected, or getting less coverage then you need. Not only that, but your doctors could be dropped from your current Medicare plan, which will leave you facing a large bill after seeing your doctor in the new year. 

The last thing that you need while living on a fixed income is to pay a large, unexpected medical  bill for going to a doctor or the hospital. After all, the number of seniors in medical debt continues to climb, with 1 in 4 seniors approaching bankruptcy, according to the Journal of General Internal Medicine, which often results in seniors not filling their prescriptions, skipping meals, and not going to the doctor. 

2. Assuming Your Plan Is Great

Probably one of the biggest mistakes that many Medicare beneficiaries make is assuming that the plan they already have is the best plan for them, or that there is no better option. The reality is that new plans are always being made available, with insurance carriers expanding options and coverage all over the United States. There might be another plan in your area that helps you save money and offers more or less coverage, depending on your specific needs; the only way to know this is by actually researching and comparing plans, or working with a licensed Medicare agent

3. Assuming Your Health Will Not Change

person in a hospital bed with a dr pointing at a monitor screen
As you age, the more likely you will develop at least one chronic condition that needs medical attention.

If you are in excellent health, that’s awesome! Unfortunately, though, the reality is that your health could change at any time, and it could happen very quickly. In fact, more than 84% of people aged 65 plus are coping with at least one chronic condition, and often more as they age. When looking at your Medicare plan, you have to take into consideration any and all possibilities that could happen in the next year, including the possibility of your health deteriorating. Remember that Original Medicare does not cover everything, so if you think your health might change, or if you have a history of health conditions, you’ll need to take that into consideration when choosing a Medicare Plan. It’s better to be prepared for the unexpected than to have to pay unexpected bills that could lead to bankruptcy.

What EZ Can Do For You

You can avoid these three major mistakes by working with a local licensed EZ agent. Our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation, making it easier to compare plans in minutes. We will go over everything, including your current Medicare plan, your medical and financial needs, and all Medicare options in your area. We take the stress off of you by doing all the work for you – and what’s better is that we will do it all at no cost or obligation to you! 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.

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