The Annual Enrollment Period for 2011 Medicare Advantage plans Starts today. Consumers should be aware of a few important changes coming to Medicare Advantage. First, the lack of an “Open” Enrollment for 2011 from January 1st – March 31st. The Open Enrollment from 1/1/11 through 3/31/11 has been replaced by an Annual Dis-enrollment Period from January 1st to February 14th, 2011. In the new redefined period the only option for a Medicare Beneficiary enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan will be to return to Original Medicare (and a stand alone Rx plan). This is different from past years when Medicare advantage enrollees could make one change/switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan during this period.
Another commonly confused detail regarding the annual enrollment period is there is no enrollment period for Medicare Supplemental Insurance. You may change a Medicare supplement policy at any time. This year many of those over 65 are choosing Medicare Supplement plans over Medicare Advantage. Some reasons include the freedom from networks in Medicare Supplement, the better benefits, and the new Medicare Supplement plans M & N with premiums more in line with many Medicare Advantage plans. For expert advice you can consult one of the many experts at the Senior Advisors Group.
