Medicare's Annual Enrollment Information By Maureen Wendt, President/CEO
Medicare’s annual enrollment period begins October 15th and ends December 7th. This is the time of year when everyone with Medicare can join or change their health and prescription drug plans for 2023.
This includes anyone using traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage and prescription drug coverage. Depending on our needs, you can switch coverage from original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan or vice versa. You can also switch your Part D plan, which pays for medications. Any changes you make will take effect January 1st, as long as the plan gets your enrollment request by December 7th.
Medicare beneficiaries will receive their Annual Notice of Change and Evidence of Coverage from their existing Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plan providers. People should review plan changes as soon as they receive information from their providers. Changes could include costs such as premiums, deductibles and co-pays, as well as changes to covered procedures, tests and other provisions.
Take time to review the information you received and look at all of your Medicare options; you may find more affordable coverage through a different combination of plans. Keep in mind that you may see a lot of ads for Medicare plans, but there could be a plan that’s perfect for you that isn’t getting a lot of attention with ads and mailers.
This is an important opportunity to make sure you are getting the most from your Medicare benefits. Every year, Medicare plans change and so do your needs. It’s worth the time to shop around to see if the coverage is still the best for your situation. Medicare Health Insurance Community meetings will take place throughout the annual enrollment period to help you make this important decision for 2023.
Medicare Health Insurance Community Meetings will be held throughout the open enrollment period. Get updates and learn about the changes to Medicare, the Medicare Health Plans, Medicare Part D, NYS EPIC and “Extra Help” Low Income Subsidy Program. Information will be presented by representatives of the Niagara County Office for the Aging and NY Connects, NYS EPIC Program, and Medicare Advantage Plans Sales Representatives. The following locations and dates are scheduled for your convenience:
DATE LOCATION TIME
November 2, 2022 John Duke Senior Center 9:30am – 11:30am
1201 Hyde Park Blvd, Niagara Falls
November 10, 2022 The Dale Association 9:30am – 11:30am
33 Ontario St., Lockport
November 18, 2022 North Tonawanda Senior Center 9:30am – 11:30am
110 Goundry St., North Tonawanda
Representatives from health insurance companies will be at The Dale Association, 33 Ontario St, Lockport for one-on-one consultations to have your Medicare questions answered and/or to talk about your unique situation throughout the annual enrollment period. Walk-ins welcome or call your representative to schedule an appointment. The upcoming annual enrollment schedule follows:
Mondays – Michelle Farina Agency, 9:00am -3:00pm
Univera 11/21 from 9:30a-3:00p
Tuesdays – Highmark BCBS of WNY, 9:00am – 3:00pm
Wednesdays – Independent Health 9:00am – 3:00pm
Essential Solutions starting 11/2, 11/9, 11/16 & 11/30 from 10:00a-2:00p,
Thursdays – United Healthcare, 1:00 – 3:00pm
Clarity Group on 11/3 & 11/17 from 9:00a-12:00p
Thursday Nov. 24th the Dale is CLOSED for Thanksgiving
Fridays – Independent Health, 9:00am – 3:00pm
United Healthcare 9:00am – 12:00pm
Friday Nov. 24th the Dale is CLOSED
I hope you will take advantage of one or more of the above educational opportunities to help you make an important decision about your Medicare choice for 2023.
The Dale Association is a unique not for profit organization who has been responding to needs of adults in our Niagara community for more than 70 years, and whose mission is to provide comprehensive services and coordinate connections for adults in Niagara and neighboring counties which enhance their health and wellness and empower them to build bridges into their communities. This important mission is the focal point of each program – including our Senior Services, Mental Health Services, and Caregiver Support Services. For more information about The Dale Association, please call (716)433-1886, or stop into 33 Ontario Street, Lockport for more information.