SAINT PAUL, MN –The
Minnesota Department of Commerce urges seniors to use Medicare Open Enrollment
as an opportunity to evaluate their coverage options. The Department reminds
seniors that insurance policies can change, making it important to review any
notices regarding changes from their insurance companies. Seniors should use
open enrollment as an opportunity to reexamine their coverage and find a policy
that fits their budget and health needs.
“Open Enrollment is the
only time of year when everyone on Medicare can make changes to their coverage
for the upcoming year,” said Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman. “I recommend
that seniors carefully review their coverage options. It’s possible to save a
lot of money by simply switching to a lower cost Medicare Supplement plan.”
Open Enrollment begins on
October 15 and ends on December 7, 2014. New coverage will begin on January 1,
2015. To join in a new plan, seniors can either enroll through Medicare or by
calling the new plan. Seniors do not need to do anything if they elect not to
make any changes for the next coverage year.
To help Minnesota seniors
make informed decisions regarding their Medicare options, the Commerce Department
has the following tips and reminders for Medicare Open Enrollment:
MNsure, Minnesota’s Health
Insurance Marketplace
MNsure is for people who
do not have health insurance already through a job or government program, like
Medicare. MNsure does not change any of the benefits or coverage for seniors
who are on Medicare. The enrollment periods for MNsure and Medicare do overlap,
so consumers should make certain that the health coverage options are Medicare
plans and not plans available through MNsure.
Be on the Lookout for
Fraud and Scams
Seniors need to know that
it is illegal to sell seniors a plan through MNsure if the agent or broker
knows that their client currently has a Medicare plan. Since the enrollment
periods overlap, this may invite more fraudulent activity by suggesting
unsuitable products to consumers and seniors need to be aware of their rights.
Seniors need to protect
themselves from fraud. Education and getting good help, are the best defenses
against becoming a victim - remember that your insurance agent or broker cannot
imply that they are endorsed by Medicare, solicit door-to-door, contact you by
phone or email (unless the consumer initiated the call), or attempt to sell
non-health related products such as life insurance or annuities during
educational open houses.
Selecting a Medicare Part
D Plan
Medicare Part D is
supplemental coverage offered by private insurance companies that helps pay for
prescription costs. Shop around to see which plan is likely to save the most
money. Most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage.
Shop around for your
Medigap Policy
Medicare Supplement
Insurance policies obtained through private insurance companies (also called
Medigap) offer coverage and services that are not provided by Original Medicare
and premiums can vary widely from company to company - be sure to compare plans
and policies.
Questions about Medicare
Open Enrollment?
·
Visit the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227)
·
Call the Senior LinkAge Line® at 800-333-2433 to select or enroll in a plan
Open Enrollment for
Medicare is October 15 through December 7, 2014. For information on special
enrollment periods, go to the Medicare Website for Special Enrollment Periods.
The Minnesota Department
of Commerce is here to help.
Seniors can visit the
Commerce Department’s Medicare
Toolkit for more information about Medicare Open Enrollment, insurance
FAQs, and tips for spotting and preventing fraud. Consumers should call the
Department’s Consumer Services Center at 651-539-1600 or toll-free at
1-800-657-3602 (in Greater Minnesota) if you have any questions or concerns
about your insurance agent or if you believe you have been a victim of a scam
or fraud.
