Medicare Annual Election Period: Part 2

Part 2 of our Medicare Annual Election Period series examines the Joe Namath and JJ Walker television commercials. We’ll also explain why offers that sound too good to be true usually are.

UPDATE: New rules will keep misleading advertisements like this off the air.

Part 1 explained the Medicare Annual Election Period. It also covered changes you can make to existing coverage.  We also covered early preparation for your prescriptions.  Part 2 explains when to consider changing your Medicare Advantage plan.  It also answers common questions about commercials featuring Joe Namath and JJ Walker.

Why would you need to change your current Medicare Advantage plan?

• Consider changing your Medicare Advantage plan when its prescription coverage no longer meets your needs. Plans sometimes remove drugs they previously covered.  For example, a plan may replace Crestor with generic rosuvastatin.  Prefer Crestor? Find a plan that covers it, or prepare to pay out of pocket.
• A new or replacement prescription may not appear in your plan’s formulary. Check its coverage for the upcoming plan year.

Other reasons to consider changing Medicare Advantage plans

• Medicare Advantage plans may also increase daily hospital copays. These changes can raise your out-of-pocket costs. Many clients use a hospital indemnity plan to offset these expenses. Still, review your potential costs for each hospital stay.
• A carrier may stop offering its plan in a county or an entire state. You would then need a new Medicare Advantage Plan. You could also return to Original Medicare. Then, choose a Medicare Supplement and a stand-alone Part D plan.
• Finally, physicians and other providers do not have to remain in a plan’s network. Your doctors may leave an HMO network. If so, find new doctors or a plan they accept.  A PPO gives you another option when doctors leave its network.  You can use out-of-network doctors, but you will usually pay more for their care.

You can make needed Medicare Advantage plan changes during the Medicare Annual Election Period.

Do you need to change your current Medicare Supplement plan?

Generally, the Medicare Annual Election Period does not require changes to your current Medicare Supplement plan.  You can switch from one Medicare Supplement plan to another at any time of year.  If you would like a free, no-hassle, no-obligation price comparison then we have you covered!

Are you required to make any changes during the Annual Election Period?

Satisfied with your current coverage? You do not need to make changes during the Annual Election Period.  Want to review your options? Read our article about changes available during open enrollment.

What if you decide that you want to switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan to a Medicare Supplement plan?

Contact Senior Benefit Services first when switching from Medicare Advantage to a Medicare Supplement plan.  We can review your health eligibility. Then, we can determine whether you qualify for a Medicare Supplement.  The Annual Election Period lets you return to Original Medicare.  However, it does not guarantee acceptance into a Medicare Supplement plan.

Qualifying for a Medicare Supplement plan means you will also need a stand-alone Part D drug plan.  Look for coverage that includes every prescription. Also compare the total out-of-pocket costs.

This process can sound overwhelming. Senior Benefit Services will simplify it and do the heavy lifting for you.

Wouldn’t I get more benefits if I call the 800# on the Joe Namath commercial?

A Joe Namath commercial’s 800 number does not necessarily lead to more benefits.  Many of these ads promote a lead aggregator rather than an insurance agency.  The aggregator transfers callers to an agent or call center that purchased the lead.  You may not know anything about that person’s background or experience.

To be clear, we have nothing against Joe Namath or JJ Walker.  They receive payment to appear in a commercial and read a script.  They may know little about the offer, so they are not the focus of our concern.

Why advertised Medicare benefits may vary

These commercials often blend benefits from several plans instead of describing one specific plan.  Some benefits require eligibility for both Medicare and Medicaid. This limits who can receive them.  If you do not have Medicaid, those benefits will not be available to you.

Why Medicare Advantage benefits differ by location

Some benefits appear only in certain plans and counties.  Think of a large gym chain with 50 Florida locations.  Perhaps only its Orlando location has those features. They may include new equipment, a pool, daycare, and saunas.  An advertisement may feature every amenity simply to encourage a visit.

Medicare Advantage commercials can work the same way.  Their main goal is to persuade you to call. The company can then sell the lead.  The advertised benefits may not exist in your county.  In that case, the agent may offer you a different plan.  Unfortunately, you will not get to speak with Joe Namath or JJ Walker.

Get Medicare guidance for your location

Learn About Common Scams That Target Seniors

Call Senior Benefit Services to learn which options are available where you live.  There is no pressure, cost, or obligation to work with us.

Call (800)924-4727 or click here today to get honest information without any pressure or misleading information. Our agents make Medicare easy!