2020 Medicare Update
September 8, 2020by Jim Wahlberg
In a year that has been anything but routine and normal, I am glad to bring news of something that is staying the same in 2020. The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is set to begin on October 15th and will continue through December 7th. In the days and weeks ahead, I will be looking into the plans for the upcoming year to make sure that I am prepared to discuss any changes with you.
Below are a some important frequently asked questions to help make sense of the AEP:
What is the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)? The AEP is a timeframe that allows Medicare beneficiaries an opportunity to either enroll, disenroll, or make changes to your existing Medicare Advantage or Medicare Prescription drug plan. Medicare Supplement plans have separate rules for change and are not necessarily tied to this enrollment season.
What are the dates of the Annual Enrollment Period? October 1st is the “magic date” that discussion can begin about any of the 2021 plans. If you receive information about a 2021 plan prior to October 1st, please wait to call as I cannot discuss details until that date. If a plan change is necessary, you can sign and submit applications beginning October 15th and we can accept an application only until December 7th.
Do I have to meet, call, or sign anything to keep my current coverage? Generally, NO. If your current plan is continuing for 2021, you are satisfied with the way it worked, and you understand the upcoming changes in coverage, you do not need to do anything. If you have questions about your plan for the next year it would generally be best to schedule a 5 or 10-minute phone call and I could review the upcoming changes with you. If an in-person meeting is necessary, we can set that up during that phone call.
Finally, as a general rule, when you receive the many different pieces of Medicare marketing in the mail, you do not want to send your phone number or email address on a response card unless you would like to receive a lot of calls/emails from the unknown sender of that mailer. If you have question about your Medicare coverage, please feel free to call our office or email jim@barewealthadvisors.com and I will be happy to answer any questions you have. I hope that each of you have a great Fall season!