Senior LinkAge Line can help during Medicare special enrollment periods

Some Minnesotans have more time to make Medicare decisions — and specialists from Senior LinkAge Line can help.  Special enrollment periods remain for most beneficiaries who live in one of the 66 Minnesota counties that are losing their Cost Plans as of 12/31/18, due a change in federal law. As of 1/1/19, Medicare beneficiaries whose Cost Plan ended 12/31/18, and who did not enroll in a new plan will return to Original Medicare (Parts A and B only). Returning to Original Medicare could be costly so these beneficiaries should know that:

Through 2/28 they can enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan, a Part D prescription drug plan; or Through 3/4 they can purchase a Medigap policy without a health screening.

Choices must be made by the end of the month to be in effect for the first day of the following month. New in 2019 is the Medicare Advantage Enrollment Period from 1/1-3/31. During this time any Medicare beneficiary who begins 2019 enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can:  Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan that includes Part D; Drop their Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare; Enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan.

For more information: Plans: Medicare.gov/find-a-plan. Medicare open enrollment: http://seniorlinkageline.com; 1-800-333-2433.