Each year, just prior to the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 through December 7th), each insurance company we represent, makes changes to their plans. It may be small changes to premiums, copays or additional benefits or drug formulary changes, or it may be huge changes such as a plan leaving a certain area or a brand new plan that is coming into a specific market.
Medicare is an ever-evolving industry. And recent years have been more challenging than in the past. As if Medicare isn’t complicated enough, the governing body of Medicare, CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services), each year seems to decide to make it even more difficult for agents to do their jobs and for clients to understand their plan choices and the changes made to their plan.
Each year, just prior to the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 through December 7th), each insurance company we represent, makes changes to their plans. It may be small changes to premiums, copays or additional benefits or drug formulary changes, or it may be huge changes such as a plan leaving a certain area or a brand new plan that is coming into a specific market. As your dedicated agent, we try to keep you well informed when these type of changes are coming, so you can know that you are OK to stay with your current plan or it may be time to call me to see if there is a better plan to meet your needs.
For those of you on an Advantage plan, each year just before the Annual Enrollment Period, you should receive the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). The great thing about this document is it DOES outline what has changed with your current plan for the coming year. The bad thing about the ANOC is that it ONLY addresses the changes coming up for YOUR current plan, not all the other plans available in your area. That is why it is very important for you to be sure to read your monthly newsletter from me, so you can know what to expect.
There are several potential changes that seem to be likely this year, but we cannot provide details until October 1st, per CMS rules. Just know that no matter what changes come about, we are here to help you make well-informed decisions so that you have the most appropriate plan(s) for the upcoming year.
Keep an eye out for additional newsletter articles and emails or links that we may send to you. We are finding that it is easier to provide you information or gather information from you, by sending you videos to watch or fillable documents you can complete and submit to provide us vital information. I know that some of you don’t have access to a computer, but know that you can view the videos or fill out the forms on your phone is you have an iPhone or other smart phone. And if you do not have a smart phone, we are just a phone call or text away. Change is usually daunting and unwelcome, but it is inevitable. Please rely on myself and our staff to make sure that you are well covered for whatever “changes” come this fall. You can reach me at (720)375-5479. If I am unavailable, please leave a very specific and detailed message, or email me your concerns, and I will get back to you as soon as I possibly can.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 9 organizations which offer 67 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
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