Medicare open enrollment coming soon

Important timelines: Open enrollment for Medicare Part D (Pharmacy/medications) plan is October 15 through December 7th. If you decide to change plans the new plan will start January 1, 2021. In order to have a part D plan you need to have Part A and B of Medicare. If you are new to Medicare you are able to enroll in a Part D plan during your initial enrollment period which is 3 months before you turn 65, the month of 65 and 3 months after without incurring a penalty. If you enroll after your initial enrollment period you will be subject to a penalty that is added to your plan for the lifetime of the plan unless you are receiving extra help due to low income. If you get Medicare Part B for the first time later than you got Part A (for example if you were covered under an employer group health plan and then retired and dropped the employer plan) you can also enroll in Part D during the General Enrollment period April 1- June 30th.

As in past years, your local SHIP (State Health Insurance Program) counselor will be able to assist you in reviewing your current drug plan coverage and assist with enrollment in a new plan should you wish to change. Due to COVID precautions, we will be assisting via mail and phone rather than in person. If you have worked with your local SHIP counselor in the past couple of years you will likely get a packet in the mail which you can complete and mail to your counselor and they will complete a plan comparison for you and call you so you make a decision as to whether you wish you keep your current coverage or let them know if you want them to enroll you in a different plan. If you do not get a packet feel free to contact your local SHIP counselor. You can also review and change plans on your own by logging into your MyMedicare.gov account or creating one and clicking on the plan compare link. If you have any questions we are here to help 1-800-551-3191 or call your local SHIP counselor.