February is known as the Month of LOVE

There are a few things happening right now in the world of Medicare that I love. ­ The first thing is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. ­ This a time designated for people who have been on a Medicare Advantage Plan that was in effect January 1. You have a three-month window (January 1 - March 31) to make a one-time plan change. ­ This just means that if you realize you don’t like the Medicare Advantage Plan you are on, or maybe your MD no longer takes the plan, or your prescriptions are no longer covered, you can change to a plan that works for you.

Remember, this is only for people who started the year on a Medicare Advantage Plan. ­

This takes place every year. ­ There is a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) happening right now as well. ­ There are only a few insurance companies recognizing this SEP so you do need to check what is available. ­ The SEP is related to an Extreme Weather Storm that occurred in November, during the Annual Election Period (AEP). If Colorado experiences severe weather that qualifies as a federal or state emergency, residents affected by the disaster may be eligible for a “Special Enrollment Period” (SEP) on their health insurance, allowing them to enroll in or change health plans outside of the regular open enrollment period due to the emergency situation.

If you were affected by this weather incident causing you to be unable to make a plan change during AEP, you might be eligible for an SEP to make a Medicare enrollment or disenrollment election.

Always remember, when you’re leaving an employer sponsored health plan, you also have a SEP to get on Medicare Insurance.

Please let us know if you have any questions about this or other aspects of Medicare. I can help!!