American Insurance reminds area seniors to take note of the Medicare Open Enrollment Period each year from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. This is when everyone who has Medicare – not only seniors – can change to different Medicare Advantage or Part D (Prescription Drug Plans).

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are undergoing significant structural and regulatory shifts heading into 2027, driven by recent policy decisions from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and changes mandated by the Inflation Reduction Act. For seniors already enrolled in a Medicare option, the enrollment period ensures that their changes will take effect on Jan. 1st, according to CMS. 

Seniors have more choices at AMERICAN INSURANCE!

We are independent and represent many insurance companies to provide you multiple choices for your family. You can contact us to make an appointment here, or call us at 208-746-9646 or email us at Medical@Am-Ins.com.

Medicare’s Yearly Enrollment Period from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.

This is the best time to compare your options to choose the plan that is best for you. During this Annual Enrollment Period, you can:

• Join or change to a Medigap Supplement Plan A - F (if available in your state)
• Join or change from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare.
  
• Join or Change a Part D Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
  
• Change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan (if available in your coverage area).
• Change from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare.
• Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan.
• Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that doesn't offer drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers drug coverage.
• Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage Plan that doesn't offer drug coverage.
• Drop your Medicare prescription drug coverage completely.

There's also the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from Jan. 1 to March 31. At this time, you can:

• If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage), you can switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage).
• You can disenroll from your Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare. If you choose to do so, you’ll be able to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
• If you enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan during your Initial Enrollment Period, you can change to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) or go back to Original Medicare (with or without drug coverage) within the first 3 months you have Medicare.

Get local assistance at AMERICAN INSURANCE.

We have two local agents who are available by appointment to discuss Medicare and many other health care options with you, at your convenience. You can call Tim Gleason or Dave Root at 208-746-9646 or contact us online or email us at Medical@Am-Ins.com to set your appointment today.

Do you need more information about Medicare? Here are some answers to some questions you may have.

• If your 65th birthday is coming soon, you might have some questions about how Medicare works. So, when can I enroll in a program?
• Medicare Parts A and B are separate from Medicare Advantage, which is also called Part C. Medicare prescription drug coverage is Part D. Where can I learn more about the differences?
• Your out-of-pocket costs in your original Medicare plan will depend on several factors. What do I pay for my plan?
• If you have Original Medicare, you’ll get a “Medicare Summary Notice” in the mail every three months that lists all the services billed to Medicare. How do I know what Medicare paid?

Do you still have questions? You can contact us to make an appointment here, or call us at 208-746-9646 or email us at Medical@Am-Ins.com.

Source: Medicare.Gov - Joining a health or drug plan

*Disclaimer: We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.