Medicare Advantage open enrolment is running from January to March 2019, with the traditional open enrolment period running from mid-October to early December. Here’s a guide to what this means, from your elder law attorney in New Jersey.

Changing Your Coverage – Medicare Advantage Open Enrolment in 2019 

If you are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage program, you are able to leave your current plan during this period. You can also move onto an alternative plan, like Original Medicare with a Part D prescription plan for medication, or onto a different Medicare Advantage plan – something that has not been allowed in previous years.

You are only allowed to switch once a year and it must happen within this period. If you signed up for a Medicare Advantage plan during the October-December enrolment period and it didn’t work for you, you can change during the January-March period. Once this change is made, however, you will have to stick with it until the next January-March period.

Important Things to do Before You Switch Medicare Plans 

If you are planning to change your Medicare plan, check to make sure that your preferred medical providers (doctor, local hospital, etc.) are part of the network for that plan in 2019. Also, confirm with them that any medications you are taking are also covered by the plan you want to take.

Be Aware of Fraud 

From April 2019, Medicare will be sending out new ID cards. This is a measure designed to protect beneficiaries from identity theft and fraud. You will receive this new card during the year and you’ll notice it does not have your social security number on it. Instead, it will have a unique but randomly generated ID number. You can use your old card until the new one arrives, and it is important to properly destroy the old card once the new one is in use. When destroying the cars, make sure that your social security number is made unreadable.

Need Help Applying for Medicaid or Qualifying for Coverage? Speak to Your Elder Law Attorney in New Jersey 

Frank R. Campisano is highly experienced and compassionate elder law attorney with considerable knowledge of Medicaid issues. In addition to planning ahead financially for Medicaid eligibility, he is also able to assist with applications, appeals and other Medicaid issues. If you or a family member needs assistance with their Medicaid planning or protecting their assets effectively, don’t hesitate to get help today.

In addition, you can also prepare additional estate planning documents, such as your Last Will and Testament, Healthcare Proxy, Power of Attorney documents and trusts.

For a free consultation and Medicaid assistance or NJ estate planning, please contact us today and speak to Frank R. Campisano.