Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By Ulla-Undine Merritt (Dee) National Producer Number (NPN) 8853366
Did you know that if you’re unhappy with your Medicare Advantage Plan (Medicare Part C), you have options? Each year, there’s a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 – March 31. During this time, if you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan and want to change your health plan, you can do one of these:
• Switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan with or without drug coverage
• Go back to Original Medicare and, if needed, also join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
If you switch Medicare Advantage Plans or go back to Original Medicare with or without a Medicare drug plan, your new coverage will start the first day of the month after your new plan gets your request for coverage. Keep in mind, if you go back to Original Medicare now, you may not be able to buy a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy.
Your new plan will be effective the 1st of the following month.
Special Enrollment Periods:
If any of the following occurs:
• You lose your current Coverage (nonpayment is excluded)
• You have a chance to get other coverage
• Your plan changes its contract with Medicare
• You become eligible for Medicare and Medicaid
• You qualify for extra help with Medicare Prescription Drugs
• You dropped a Medigap Policy for the 1st time within the last 12 months
• Special Needs Plans – New or no longer qualify
• MOVING out of the AREA or Moving to a NEW Area.
Dates and deadlines for 2022 health insurance – Health Insurance Marketplace.
Important: 2022 Open Enrollment ends January 15
If you don’t act by January 15, 2022, you can’t get 2022 coverage unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period*. You must have enrolled by December 15, 2021, for coverage that starts January 1, 2022.
• January 15, 2022: Last day to enroll in or change plans for 2022 coverage. After this date, you can enroll or change plans only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
• February 1, 2022: 2022 coverage starts if you enrolled by January 15, 2022, and you’ve paid your first premium.
* You qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you’ve had certain life events, including losing health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby, or adopting a child. Depending on your Special Enrollment Period type, you may have 60 days before or 60 days following the event to enroll in a plan.
Individual/Family – There are other options available if you do not have pre-existing conditions. These plans can be a lot less expensive especially if you do not qualify for government subsidy. There are national carriers that offer very good plans with comprehensive coverage.
International Travel – Most of our US plans do not have us covered when leaving the United States, including Cruises. You should always take a comprehensive Medical Travel Insurance Policy. They are a lot less than you think and can make a world of a difference.
Pet Insurance – Our fur babies need insurance coverage too. The younger you start the less it costs. As vet bills escalate, most of us would do anything for our 4-legged loved ones. Why not cover them as well? There are a wide range of deductibles, copays, etc. In most cases coverage starts for less than $1.00 a day. Pre-existing medical conditions in most cases are NOT covered. So, the earlier the better.
You should really work with a local broker to explore all your options. Don’t invite strangers into your house or give them your personal information over the phone. With social media, i.e.: Facebook, WebEx solicitation, if you do not know them, please be careful. There are so many scams out there. Meet with or call a local agent, build a relationship and, if in the future you have a question, you can go back and see them.
Also remember when moving you may have a special enrollment period to apply or change your health insurance coverage. Also check your wills and trusts, and make sure they follow Florida’s laws and guidelines. Establish yourself with a local Insurance Broker, Attorney and CPA. Ask a professional; most of the time your first consultation is at no charge.
To learn more about your options, call to schedule an appointment:
Logical Insurance Solutions for all your insurance needs – Dee Merritt
info@logicalinsurance.com
www.Logicalinsurance.com 239-362-0855
