Picking the Right Medicare Advantage Plan

By Marlo Sollitto, AgingCare.com contributing editor

An important Medicare deadline is approaching for seniors: The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period will begin October 15, 2011 and end December 7, 2011. This is a change from years past when the Annual Enrollment Period began November 15 and ended December 31. If you need to enroll in a Medicare Advantage or prescription drug, change an existing plan, move to a new one or dis-enroll now is the time to take action.

The Open Enrollment Period which ran from January 1 through March 31 was eliminated for 2011 plans and is no longer available.

These date changes are bound to catch many people off guard. Be proactive and compare plans as soon as possible.

The Caregivers’ Guide To Medicare Open Enrollment

Steve Zaleznick, Senior Medicare Adviser of PlanPrescriber, a website that provides free comparison tools and educational materials for Medicare-related insurance, told AgingCare.com the challenge for Medicare beneficiaries and their advisors is to make a plan selection that fits their needs and is sufficiently flexible to cover any unknowns the upcoming year might bring.

How to Pick the Right Medicare Advantage Plan originally appeared on AgingCare.com

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

David L.

7:47PM PST on Jan 5, 2012

Great article!

January 5
send a green star

june t.

10:34PM PDT on Oct 15, 2011

My friends in the US find this to be a nightmare.

October 15
send a green star

Donna H.

9:58PM PDT on Oct 14, 2011

Helpful info - thanks for posting.

October 14
send a green star

Nancy B.

3:54PM PDT on Oct 14, 2011

To Sue H - I'm a licensed insurance agent who works with both Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans. There are laws severely restricting what we can say about Medicare Advantage plans until we get a signed form from the individual permitting a meeting, which often must take place at least 48 hours later. Maybe that's why you weren't getting any good answers! It can be frustrating for all concerned.

Joe R.

12:24PM PDT on Oct 14, 2011

Did our legislators know how hard this is for most of our elderly citizens? I've helped my Mom with this for years sorting through too many options. Having to repeat it year after year is painful as each plan keeps changing. Nice job congress! But then again, I'm sure your insurance company buddies are happy.

Jayne B.

11:47AM PDT on Oct 14, 2011

Thank-you for sharing this valuable information.

Valli S.

7:59AM PDT on Oct 14, 2011

Good info.

Becky S.

7:53AM PDT on Oct 14, 2011

For anyone with questions about Medicare, and other health insurance issues, PLEASE consider contacting your local State Health Insurance assistance Program (SHIP). Every state has one! They are volunteer based, and do NOT sell or endorse any health insurance company (not do they make commissions or anything like that, which is how most "agents" work). SHIPs are there simply to make sure Medicare beneficiaries get the info. they need to make decisions. Counselors can also help youide which MA plan(s)are offered in your area and which one(s) best meet your needs.
Simply google "state health insurance assistance program" for your state and give it a try!! (in So. Cal the # is 1-800-434-0222)

Douglas S.

7:34AM PDT on Oct 14, 2011

Good to get this news out!

Rita B.

4:34AM PDT on Oct 14, 2011

good info! thanks!