Open enrollment for Medicare begins October 15, and runs through December 7. But before the enrollment starts, you should look at your current Medicare plan, and your Medicare Advantage Plan if you have one, to see if changes have been made that affect your plan. Managing editor Tami Roleff says that Reach Out Morongo Basin will hold an enrollment clinic Friday, October 4, with state-registered counselors who can help you decide what you need to do with your Medicare plan.
The open enrollment period for Medicare is October 15 through December 7. This is the only time you can make changes to your Medicare plan without incurring a penalty. Before you enroll in your plan, check to see if your doctor still participates and if your medication is still covered. Reach Out Morongo Basin is holding an enrollment clinic tomorrow at the Twentynine Palms Senior Center, from 11 to 12:30. State registered counselors from the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program will help you determine what is best for you. The clinic is free. To make an appointment, call Reach Out today, at 760-361-1410.
Are there going to be changes in your costs? Are your current Doctor’s still going to be part of your plan? Are the medications you are currently taking still part of your plans formulary or are there changes which could be very costly? These are all things that you have to consider as this is the only time of year you can make changes to your health plan without facing any penalties. And for many, trying to figure out all of this can be challenging and stressful.
That is why there is HICAP – The Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program sponsored by the California Department of Aging. HICAP provides information and assistance with Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Prescription Drug coverage and other related health insurance issues as well as Medicare counseling for Medicare beneficiaries. State registered counselors offer objective information to help seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries make good health care decisions. When problems arise, HICAP counselors can help resolve them. Along with local individual counseling, HICAP offers community education presentations. All services are free of charge.
To help with understanding changes and so you can make informed decisions Reach Out Morongo Basin will be hosting a HICAP Enrollment Clinic at the 29 Palms Senior Center 6539 Adobe Rd. Twentynine Palms, CA on Friday October 4, 2019 from 11 am-12:30 pm. This Clinic will give Medicare Beneficiaries the opportunity to meet with a counselor to go over the various plans and changes and help you decide what is best for your healthcare needs. To schedule an appointment please call Reach Out at 760-361-1410.
