Annual Medicare open enrollment starts Oct. 15

It's that time of year again to review your health insurance needs and look at options.

Get ready for Annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period (AEP) Oct. 15 – Dec. 7, Medicare's next annual open enrollment period for 2020 coverage. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) no longer require Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D) and Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) to mail out the plan's benefit and formulary changes for the coming year.

It is important to check your plan. Be aware of any changes, so you know that you are in the best plan and that your plan covers what you need for the coming year at the best price.

During the Annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period (AEP) you can make changes to various aspects of your coverage.

• You can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or vice versa.

• You can also switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or from one Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan to another.

• And if you didn't enroll in a Medicare Part D plan when you were first eligible, you can do so during the annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period, although a late enrollment penalty may apply.

For those who are not on Medicare, you can enroll in a Marketplace insurance plan.

The Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Period runs from Friday, Nov. 1 to Sunday, Dec. 15. The 2020 Open Enrollment Plans sold during Open Enrollment start Jan. 1, 2020. Congress last year scrapped the ACA's tax penalty for those who choose to go without health coverage. The penalty's removal starts with 2019 tax returns filed in 2020.

Take the time to start that process early so you do not run out of time and if you need any help you can get in and see an Assister. Assisters are trained and certified individuals who can help you apply and enroll in a health plan with savings or apply for Medicaid/Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). They are required to provide fair, impartial and accurate information. There are two Assister programs in Missoula: 1. Providence St. Patrick Hospital, phone: 406 329-5740, email: mtmarketplacehelp@providence.org, website: https://montana.providence.org/ and 2. Partnership Health Center, phone: 406 258-4450, website: http://www.co.missoula.mt.us/PHC/

Please call me, Linda Howard, Seeley-Swan Resource Specialist, 406 541-7688, to make an appointment during the Annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period (AEP) Oct. 15 – Dec. 7 if you are on Medicare or have questions about Medicare options.

Contact an Assister for questions and enrollment in the Affordable Care Act's Marketplace insurance program.

The very best of health to you, Linda

Sources: https://www.healthcare.gov/and https://localhelp.healthcare.gov/#/place/983886https://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2020-open-enrollment-key-dates/