Is Medicare Annual Enrollment Time For Me?

UNITED STATES—Toni, I turn 65 in April and overwhelmed by all the mail I am getting this year for Medicare Annual Enrollment. What do I do? The mail from companies says theirs is the best, but they all offer the same thing with dental, vision and gym membership.

One Medicare Advantage commercial on TV says that they can put $ money back in your Social Security check. I am not receiving my Social Security check and wonder how I can get the money.

If I do not enroll in Medicare at the right time everybody says I will get a penalty that will last the rest of my life. How does someone know what is the right decision for their situation? Look forward to your answer. Nathan from Nashville, TN.

Nathan, the answer to your question is that you need to do NOTHING!!! NADA!!! during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period because you are not 65 yet and have not enrolled in Medicare.

Next year’s, Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is when you can make a change to your Medicare Part D plan, change, or enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan with or without a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is discussed in detail in Chapter 6 of the Medicare Survival Guide Advanced edition.

You MUST have already turned 65 or be under 65 and enrolled in Medicare to change or enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan or a Medicare Advantage plan during Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period.

You are turning 65 in April and will be in your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (which is a 7-month period that will begin 3 months prior to April, the month of April, and 3 months after) so, January would be a good time to begin enrolling in Medicare and exploring which Medicare option best fits your specific medical and prescription drug needs.

Always talk with your medical provider to learn what type of Medicare plan whether Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug plan or Original/Traditional Medicare with a Medicare Supplement and a stand-alone Medicare Part D plan is right for your health situation and the prescriptions you are currently taking.

As we say at the Toni Says® office, “Medicare is not a cookie cutter, one size or plan does not fit everyone.” The insurance companies market their specific Medicare plans and want you to believe that theirs is perfect for you.

America should be aware of “friendly” telemarketers that try and change one’s Medicare plan options during Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period. Please be careful giving out personal information to strangers over the phone. Telemarketers are lurking around like a “lion,” waiting for the right person to attack when those confused only need proper Medicare information to help them make the right Medicare decision.

There are specific Medicare rules when changing from a Medicare Advantage plan to a Medicare Supplement. Please be aware that you will have to answer underwriting questions! To learn how to personalize your Medicare to meet your needs attend the Confused about Medicare Zoom Webinar from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, November 16. Visit www.Tonisays.com for the registration link.

Toni Says® Alert: Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is for those who are already enrolled in Medicare. You do not have to make a change during the Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period if you are pleased with your current plan such as Medicare Advantage plan, Medicare Part D Prescription drug plan or Medicare Supplement. More Medicare and boomer/senior information and podcasts are available at www.seniorresource.com. For answers to your Medicare questions/concerns, call the Toni Says Medicare team at 832-519-8664 or email info@tonisays.com.