Key points:
- 2021 Medicare Open Enrollment is officially open and will run through December 7, 2020.
- People with Medicare can review health and drug plans and make changes to their healthcare coverage for next year based on their financial and medical needs.
- People who want to keep their current Medicare coverage do not need to re-enroll.
Details:
Plan Options
The redesigned Medicare Plan Finder makes it easier for beneficiaries to compare Medicare coverage options and find the best design for them.
One route for seniors is Medicare Advantage, which allows beneficiaries to receive Medicare benefits through private plans. More than 4,800 Medicare Advantage plans are offered for 2021, some of which have $0 premiums beyond the Part B premium.
In addition, Medicare beneficiaries can join a plan participating in the Part D Senior Savings Model, through which participating plans will offer many types of insulin at a maximum copayment of $35 for a 30-day supply. More than 1,600 Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans are participating in the Part D Senior Savings Model for 2021. CMS has added a new “Insulin Savings” filter on Medicare Plan Finder to display plans that will offer the capped out-of-pocket costs for insulin.
Beware of Fraud
People with Medicare are urged to practice safety measures to guard against identity theft during Open Enrollment. Beneficiaries should not give their Medicare card or Medicare number to anyone except their doctor or people they know should have it. They should also check their Medicare claim summaries for errors and questionable bills and report fraud to Medicare’s toll-free customer service center at 1-800-MEDICARE or online at https://www.medicare.gov/fraud.
Who Can Help?
Free, personalized counseling on Medicare options is also available through the nonprofit State Health Insurance Assistance Program or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.
Want to read more on the fight against Coronavirus? Read our Coronavirus Bulletin here which contains our extensive FAQ about recent federal actions.
Was this message forwarded to you? CLICK HERE to subscribe to our emails.