New, Earlier Start to Medicare Annual Election Period

TALLAHASSEE – Many individuals may be unaware that the Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP) will now start on October 15 instead of November 15. The Florida Department of Elder Affairs’ SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) program understands how difficult it can be to keep track of all the changes related to Medicare such as the new AEP dates. This is one of the reasons the SHINE program is available to provide free help for Florida Medicare beneficiaries as they carefully evaluate their health care options and make selections before time runs out on December 7.

During the Annual Election Period, Medicare beneficiaries have the opportunity to make changes to their Medicare Prescription Drug or Medicare Advantage plans. The new AEP allows beneficiaries seven extra days to make plan choices while avoiding the end-of-year holidays. Still, SHINE suggests beneficiaries to review their benefits prior to the October 15 AEP start date.

There are a variety of reasons why beneficiaries should review benefits each year or make changes to their coverage. For example, individuals often experience subtle changes in their health over the course of the year, and these changes may alter the kind of care they need. This could directly affect their need for more or less health insurance, the types of prescription drugs they require or their access to particular doctors or pharmacies. Health changes can also increase costs, which can be particularly critical for Medicare beneficiaries on fixed incomes.

Doing this type of cost-benefit check is especially important this year for those interested in Medicare Advantage plans, because beneficiaries are no longer offered an open enrollment to switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another. Instead, a Medicare Advantage Annual Disenrollment Period – running from Jan. 1 – Feb. 14 – will allow beneficiaries only the option of disenrolling from a Medicare Advantage plan and enrolling in Original Medicare (some drug coverage options are also available).

Beneficiaries are encouraged to act quickly upon the start of the Annual Election Period in October to assure a smooth transition into the 2012 benefit year. All Florida Medicare beneficiaries are invited to make an appointment for one-on-one SHINE counseling or enrollment assistance. Appointments can be made by contacting your local Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337).

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