Open enrollment for Medicare underway – The Tribune

Are you a Medicare recipient?
Open enrollment for Medicare is now through December 7th. This is the time of year when changes may be made to the plans and providers you have selected for your Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage and/or your Medicare Advantage option
If you want to make changes, you can only do so until December 7th.
Open enrollment is also a good time to do drug comparisons to make sure the Medicare Part D plan you’re getting is still the best option, since Medicare Part D plans vary from year to year Change year.
People receiving the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) or Extra Help will be able to change their plans monthly in 2025.
To qualify for the Extra Help program, your income must be at or below 150% of the poverty level.
Plans change every year, so it’s a good idea to review your Medicare Part D plan annually, even if you receive the Extra Help benefit.
Original Medicare, sometimes called Part A and Part B, helps with hospital, doctor and outpatient services.
Most likely, a Medicare supplement will be required to cover costs not covered in Part A and Part B.
Medicare Advantage, or Part C, combines Parts A and B into one plan, while Medicare Part D covers prescription drug plans.
During open enrollment, beneficiaries can make changes to these plans that better support their health and well-being.
It’s time to change what doesn’t work and keep what does.
Locally, AAA7 is available as a resource for those in its ten-county district seeking assistance with Medicare or Open Enrollment.
The Medicare check-up consultation is by appointment only and multiple appointments are available at the AAA7 Jackson office on October 21, November 8 and December 2.
Please call 1-800-582-7277, ext. 250, or email [email protected] for more information.
If you have switched to a new plan, your coverage will begin on January 1, 2025. If you remain on the same plan, any changes to coverage, benefits or costs for the new year will begin on January 1, 2025.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan between January 1 and March 31, you can cancel your plan and switch to another Medicare Advantage plan with or without prescription drug coverage, or return to Original Medicare. If you return to Original Medicare, you also have the option of joining a Medicare prescription drug plan. Your insurance coverage begins on the first day of the month after you register. In some cases, you may be able to make additional changes if you qualify for a special enrollment period.
For more information about Medicare plans and options, visit www.medicare.gov.
AAA7 helps people with Medicare in several ways.
AAA7 has staff who can help you determine whether you are eligible for Medicare Premium Assistance, such as the Medicare Savings Program, which pays your Medicare Part B premium if eligible, and/or the Low-Income Subsidy Program , which helps people with Medicare Part D premiums pay with.
AAA7 staff can also assist you during the open enrollment period by conducting comparisons for your Medicare prescription drug plans or Medicare Advantage plans.
The AAA7 can also answer general Medicare questions you may have. The Medicare check-up consultation is available by appointment only.
Counties covered by AAA7 include Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton.
For questions or assistance, call toll-free 1-800-582-7277, extension 250, or email [email protected].