If you’re one of the many Maryland residents with a Medicare Advantage plan, you might be wondering about your options for changing your coverage during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period.
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) is a great chance to make sure your healthcare coverage is just right for you.
We had the privilege of helping thousands of seniors in the Hagerstown, Thurmont, and Cumberland areas fine-tune their plans.
We had the privilege of helping thousands of seniors in the Hagerstown, Thurmont, and Cumberland areas fine-tune their plans.
Christina G. from Hagerstown recently shared about their experience:
“Transitioning to Medicare was so confusing and overwhelming! Thank goodness for Andy at Senior Benefit Services, he helped explain everything I needed to know about my benefits. He answered all my questions and told me how to apply for the extra help program for low-income people. I left there with a smile, and felt so much better about moving to Medicare.”
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What Exactly Is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?
Think of the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period as your “second chance” opportunity. Running from January 1st through March 31st.
This special period gives you the flexibility to make important adjustments to your Medicare Advantage coverage if your current plan isn’t meeting your needs.
As Karen, one of our experienced Medicare specialists at Senior Benefit Services, often explains to clients:
“Our industry is littered with misleading mail, email, and commercials. The result is that consumers make decisions out of panic rather than understanding. We work very hard to reassure each client that we’re working in their best interest by explaining all available options.”
Have questions about the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?
Call us at (800) 924-4727 to get answers.
This special period gives you the flexibility to make important adjustments to your Medicare Advantage coverage if your current plan isn’t meeting your needs.
As Karen, one of our experienced Medicare specialists at Senior Benefit Services, often explains to clients:
“Our industry is littered with misleading mail, email, and commercials. The result is that consumers make decisions out of panic rather than understanding. We work very hard to reassure each client that we’re working in their best interest by explaining all available options.”
Have questions about the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?
Call us at (800) 924-4727 to get answers.
Key Dates and Deadlines You Need to Know
The timing of the MA OEP is straightforward but crucial to understand:
- January 1: First day to make changes
- March 31: Last day to make changes
- Changes typically take effect on the first day of the month following your enrollment
What Changes Can You Make During This Period?
Switch to a Different Medicare Advantage Plan
You can change from your current Medicare Advantage plan to another one that better suits your needs.
This might be particularly useful if you’ve discovered that your current plan’s network doesn’t include your preferred doctors or if you’ve found a plan with better coverage for your specific health needs.
Return to Original Medicare
You can choose to leave your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare (Parts A and B). If you make this choice, you’ll also have the option to enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
It is important to keep in mind that if you are wanting to get a Medicare Supplement plan (also known as a Medigap plan) you may be required to answer a number of health questions to qualify.
You can change from your current Medicare Advantage plan to another one that better suits your needs.
This might be particularly useful if you’ve discovered that your current plan’s network doesn’t include your preferred doctors or if you’ve found a plan with better coverage for your specific health needs.
Return to Original Medicare
You can choose to leave your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare (Parts A and B). If you make this choice, you’ll also have the option to enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
It is important to keep in mind that if you are wanting to get a Medicare Supplement plan (also known as a Medigap plan) you may be required to answer a number of health questions to qualify.
As Bill Kesecker shares:
“Nicole navigated me into understanding Medicare and giving me confidence in the choices I made. I believe she demonstrated interest in what I needed and through her knowledge, empathy, and clear explanations and examples helped me make a solid decision.”
Who Can Use the MA OEP?
It’s important to understand that the MA OEP isn’t available to everyone.
You’re eligible to use this period if:
You’re eligible to use this period if:
- You’re currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan
- You’re within the January 1 to March 31 timeframe
- You haven’t already made a change during this period (you can only make one change)
Unsure if you’re eligible to make changes? Call us at (800) 924-4727 for a free consultation.
How Is This Different from the Annual Enrollment Period?
Many people confuse the MA OEP with the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) that runs from October 15 to December 7.
Here’s the key difference: while the AEP is open to all Medicare beneficiaries and allows for various changes, the MA OEP is specifically for those already enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans.
Here’s the key difference: while the AEP is open to all Medicare beneficiaries and allows for various changes, the MA OEP is specifically for those already enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans.
Common Reasons to Consider Making Changes
Network Changes
Your preferred doctors or specialists may no longer be in your plan’s network. As Andrew Thomas, one of our Medicare specialists with 28 years of experience, notes: “You can turn Medicare into Rocket Science if you choose, but that’s not my approach. I take great pride in simplifying the specifics of Medicare putting them in layman’s terms for the benefit of my clients.”
Cost Concerns
You might have discovered unexpected costs or found that another plan offers better value for your specific situation. As Carmine Russo shares: “Thanks Mike for saving me expense on my supplement to Medicare insurance. I guess it is about $50 per month for the exact same insurance.”
Coverage Gaps
Your healthcare needs may have changed, and you’ve found that your current plan doesn’t provide adequate coverage for new medications or treatments.
Service Area Changes
If you’ve moved or spend significant time in different areas, you might need a plan with better coverage in your new location.
Want to evaluate if you should make changes to your coverage? Call (800) 924-4727 for a personalized review.
Your preferred doctors or specialists may no longer be in your plan’s network. As Andrew Thomas, one of our Medicare specialists with 28 years of experience, notes: “You can turn Medicare into Rocket Science if you choose, but that’s not my approach. I take great pride in simplifying the specifics of Medicare putting them in layman’s terms for the benefit of my clients.”
Cost Concerns
You might have discovered unexpected costs or found that another plan offers better value for your specific situation. As Carmine Russo shares: “Thanks Mike for saving me expense on my supplement to Medicare insurance. I guess it is about $50 per month for the exact same insurance.”
Coverage Gaps
Your healthcare needs may have changed, and you’ve found that your current plan doesn’t provide adequate coverage for new medications or treatments.
Service Area Changes
If you’ve moved or spend significant time in different areas, you might need a plan with better coverage in your new location.
Want to evaluate if you should make changes to your coverage? Call (800) 924-4727 for a personalized review.
Making Changes: The Process
If you decide to make changes during the MA OEP, the process is straightforward, especially with proper guidance. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Your Medicare card and number
- A list of your current medications
- Names of your preferred healthcare providers
- Information about your current plan
As Doris Brady shares:
“This service is critical to me and many others because there are so many choices, it’s almost impossible to make a good decision. My advisor can distill everything down to what’s best for me.”
Important Considerations Before Making Changes
Provider Networks
Verify that your preferred doctors and hospitals are in the new plan’s network. Our team can help you check provider participation in various plans.
Prescription Drug Coverage
Review the plan’s drug formulary to ensure your medications are covered at a cost-effective level.
Total Costs
Look beyond just the monthly premium. Consider deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums.
Additional Benefits
Many Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits like dental, vision, and fitness memberships. Compare these additional features when making your decision.
Verify that your preferred doctors and hospitals are in the new plan’s network. Our team can help you check provider participation in various plans.
Prescription Drug Coverage
Review the plan’s drug formulary to ensure your medications are covered at a cost-effective level.
Total Costs
Look beyond just the monthly premium. Consider deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums.
Additional Benefits
Many Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits like dental, vision, and fitness memberships. Compare these additional features when making your decision.
Here’s what Stephen Faecke had to say:
“The staff at the Senior Benefit Services in Thurmont, MD are excellent!! They are courteous, professional and VERY knowledgeable in what they do!! Their knowledge and expertise helped to make sense of how to sign up with Medicare.”
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Getting Expert Help
Navigating Medicare choices can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Our team at Senior Benefit Services has been helping seniors make informed Medicare decisions for over 50 years. With offices in Hagerstown, Thurmont, and Cumberland, we provide personalized guidance to help you understand your options and make the best choice for your situation.
As Sharon Womack puts it simply: “Detailed and informed help.” That’s exactly what we strive to provide every day.
Schedule your consultation today. Call (800) 924-4727 to speak with our Medicare experts.
Our team at Senior Benefit Services has been helping seniors make informed Medicare decisions for over 50 years. With offices in Hagerstown, Thurmont, and Cumberland, we provide personalized guidance to help you understand your options and make the best choice for your situation.
As Sharon Womack puts it simply: “Detailed and informed help.” That’s exactly what we strive to provide every day.
Schedule your consultation today. Call (800) 924-4727 to speak with our Medicare experts.
The Bottom Line
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period provides a valuable opportunity to ensure your healthcare coverage truly meets your needs.
Whether you’re considering switching plans or have questions about your current coverage, our team of local Maryland Medicare specialists is here to help you navigate your options.
Remember, you can only make one change during this period, so it’s important to carefully consider your options and make an informed decision. We’re here to help you understand your choices and find the coverage that best meets your healthcare needs and budget.
Ready to explore your options during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?
Contact our licensed Medicare specialists at Senior Benefit Services at (800) 924-4727, or visit one of our local offices in Hagerstown, Thurmont, or Cumberland. We’re here to help you make the most of this important opportunity to optimize your healthcare coverage.
Whether you’re considering switching plans or have questions about your current coverage, our team of local Maryland Medicare specialists is here to help you navigate your options.
Remember, you can only make one change during this period, so it’s important to carefully consider your options and make an informed decision. We’re here to help you understand your choices and find the coverage that best meets your healthcare needs and budget.
Ready to explore your options during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?
Contact our licensed Medicare specialists at Senior Benefit Services at (800) 924-4727, or visit one of our local offices in Hagerstown, Thurmont, or Cumberland. We’re here to help you make the most of this important opportunity to optimize your healthcare coverage.
Find a Location Near You!
Ready to get started? Contact any of our 3 Maryland offices in Hagerstown, Thurmont, and Cumberland, or fill out our simple online form below for a personalized consultation.
Senior Benefit’s Hagerstown Office
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Senior Benefit’s Cumberland Office
We are here to help. Contact us today!
Hours :
Monday – Firday : 9am – 5pm EST
Sat & Sun: Closed
Sat & Sun: Closed