By Cindy Jarmusz, RN, President CJ Cares Insurance Agency

The Annual Enrolment Period (AEP), which runs from October 15 to December 7, is when you can make changes to your Medicare coverage. Whether you want to switch plans, adjust benefits, or ensure your healthcare needs are fully met, it’s important to take advantage of this time period. The following is a step-by-step guide to help you do that.

Evaluate your Current Plan.

This includes Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Prescription Drug Plan (Part D). Consider whether your healthcare needs changed this year, or if you anticipate changes in 2025? Check your out-of-pocket expenses, prescription costs and plan services that are not covered. Also, review communications and the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) you received from your current plan provider in September, which outlined any 2025 changes in costs, coverage, or provider networks.

Research New Plan Options Comparing Costs and Coverage.

During AEP you can switch to Original Medicare, to a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, or vice-versa. You can change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, and enroll in, drop, or switch your Part D prescription drug plan.

Help is Available.

You can work with a licensed insurance broker that specializes in Medicare at no cost to you; try to figure things out on your own through the Medicare plan finder at www.Medicare.gov; call your local State Health Insurance Programs for information; or make calls or drive around town to different insurance carriers to compare their plans. Make sure you understand what you will receive, and confirm whether your preferred providers, pharmacies, and medications are covered, and at what cost. Find out about possible extra benefits that some Medicare Advantage plans might offer and if they are available in your area, such as dental, vision, hearing, fitness, transportation, care management, and more. Make sure to look at star-ratings when comparing different Medicare plans in evaluating their performance and customer satisfaction.

Personalized Service at No Cost.

Understanding available options can feel overwhelming. Licensed insurance brokers like me that specialize in Medicare provide personalized service and unbiased one-stop-shopping to compare and recommend best available plans based on your unique health care needs and financial situation, at no cost to you.

Submit Changes before the Deadline.

All changes made during the AEP take effect on January 1, 2025. The deadline to enroll or switch plans is December 7, 2024. Act now to avoid missing the opportunity to improve your coverage.

Final Thoughts.

The AEP is when you can make sure that your healthcare coverage aligns with your current needs. Taking time to review, compare, and make changes from now until the December 7 deadline could save you money and improve your access to care. Don’t wait. Start exploring your options today. If you have questions or need help, call 716-403-4433. You will be speaking directly to me, a licensed insurance broker who also has a background in nursing. I look forward to helping you make an informed decision regarding your 2025 health care insurance benefits.