Medicare open enrollment begins Wednesday, runs through December

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Medicare open enrollment begins Wednesday and runs through December 7.

This enrollment period is for people with a Medicare advantage plan or a stand-alone drug plan only, not for those covered under the Affordable Care Act.

Open enrollment those people begins November 15. It is also not for people insured under a Medicare supplement plan.

However, for those who are eligible, now is the time where you can decide if you want to stay with or switch your plan. You’ll want to consider your monthly premium, the annual deductible and co-pays under each policy.

In general, there are no surprises or big changes this year.

“It’s a fairly calm year, we’re not seeing a lot of changes,” said Kent Kyle, Owner of Kyle Insurance Services. “Every year we have increases in co-pays, premiums, prescription drug costs go up a little bit, so if your plans had that, the other plans are increasing also.”

It is wise for each and every Medicare recipient should review their plans during this two-month period, even if you’re happy with your plan. It will pay off to double-check for hidden costs or changes in your coverage.

“You never know about the prescriptions, especially. If you don’t look now, you won’t find out until January when you go to the pharmacist,” Kyle said. “So you need to know now if there’s changes to be made, you need to make those between now and December 7th.”

For any questions throughout the enrollment process, Kyle suggests talking with your insurance agent to compare the many plans available, or use the resources on Medicare.gov.

Copyright 2014, KY3 News

Medicare open enrollment begins Wednesday, runs through December