Wondering what’s happening with your health care? Here are some of the possibilities.
Benefits stay the same in 2010
Changes begin in 2011
Some of your costs may actually be going down.
Original Medicare. Your annual wellness visit and preventive services, like colorectal cancer screening and mammograms, will be provided with no out of pocket costs.
All Medicare Advantage Plans will have an annual out-of-pocket maximum. The amount may vary by plan, but the out-of-pocket maximum for services for 2011 is $6,700.
Part D Prescription Drug plans. There are cost ceilings in the coverage gap. You'll never pay more than 93% of the cost of generic drugs and about 50% of the cost of most brand-name drugs.
Some enrollment periods will change.
Starting in the fall of 2011, there will be changes to the enrollment rules for some Medicare plans.
What you might want to do now.
In October, it’s a good idea to think through your 2011 medical and prescription needs. Your health or financial situation may be changing or your current plan may have changed. You’ll want to compare your Medicare choices to see if there’s a better plan for you.
Once you choose a plan, think about enrolling early to make sure you receive your membership card and plan information well before the next plan year starts.
Benefits stay the same in 2010
- Medicare will cover your health care costs the way it always has.
- Whether you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, your benefits won’t change.
- You can still choose between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage plan during the Annual Election Period beginning November 15.
- Beginning in 2010 any beneficiary entering the coverage gap will receive a $250 rebate from the government.
Changes begin in 2011
Some of your costs may actually be going down.
Original Medicare. Your annual wellness visit and preventive services, like colorectal cancer screening and mammograms, will be provided with no out of pocket costs.
All Medicare Advantage Plans will have an annual out-of-pocket maximum. The amount may vary by plan, but the out-of-pocket maximum for services for 2011 is $6,700.
Part D Prescription Drug plans. There are cost ceilings in the coverage gap. You'll never pay more than 93% of the cost of generic drugs and about 50% of the cost of most brand-name drugs.
Some enrollment periods will change.
Starting in the fall of 2011, there will be changes to the enrollment rules for some Medicare plans.
- Enrolling and switching plans. | October 15 – December 7
During the Annual Election Period, you can enroll in a new Medicare Advantage or Part D plan or switch between Medicare plans. You will also still be able to enroll in a Medicare plan between three months before, the month of and three months after your 65th birthday. - Dropping private coverage. | Jan. 1 – Feb. 15
During the Disenrollment Period, you will be able to drop your private Medicare coverage and return to Original Medicare. If dropping your Medicare Advantage plan means losing your prescription drug coverage, you can enroll in a Part D plan during this time. - Enrollment is closed. | Feb. 16– Oct. 14
You cannot make changes to your Medicare coverage during this time, unless you qualify for a Special Election Period.
In October, it’s a good idea to think through your 2011 medical and prescription needs. Your health or financial situation may be changing or your current plan may have changed. You’ll want to compare your Medicare choices to see if there’s a better plan for you.
Once you choose a plan, think about enrolling early to make sure you receive your membership card and plan information well before the next plan year starts.