Medicare’s annual open enrollment period is here, and Buckeye Hills Regional Council can help Medicare beneficiaries find the best coverage. Enrollment specialists are available to help review your coverage options to ensure you choose the best plan to meet your needs and budget.
Open enrollment is an important time of year for all Medicare enrollees, especially those who already have Medicare coverage. Choosing health insurance is no longer a one-time decision. The Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP) is an open enrollment period that runs annually from October 15 to December 7. During this time, you can switch to, drop, or add a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Prescription Drug (Part D) plan.
“Medicare customers need to be aware that their coverage can change yearly,” states BHCR Director of Aging Jennifer Westfall. “By calling our enrollment specialists or Ohio’s Medicare hotline, individuals can review changes and make sure they understand their coverage and the costs associated with the Medicare plan they select.”
Each year during Open Enrollment, Medicare recipients may review and stay with their current plans or look for a new plan with better coverage, higher quality, and lower costs. Buckeye Hills can also help individuals determine whether they may be eligible for the Low‐Income Subsidy or Medicare Savings Program, as well as other Medicare premium assistance programs, and assist with the application process.
“Extra Help is a program that can help lower prescription drug costs. However, often individuals may not know about the program or assume they are not eligible,” says Westfall.
Individuals may call Ohio’s Medicare hotline at 1-800-686-1578 for enrollment assistance.
To learn more about Buckeye Hills Regional Council, visit www.buckeyehills.org, call 740-374-9436 or 1-800-331-2644 (toll-free), or email info@buckeyehills.org.