Medicare open enrollment is underway – The Tribune

Are you a Medicare beneficiary?
Medicare Open Enrollment runs now through December 7th. It’s that time of year when changes can be made to the plans and providers you’ve chosen for your Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage and/or the Medicare Advantage option.
If you want to make changes, you only have until December 7th.
Open enrollment is also a good time to do drug comparisons to make sure the Medicare Part D plan you’re in is still the best choice for you, since Medicare Part D plans change from ‘one year to another.
People on Low Income Allowance (LIS), or ‘Extra Help’, can change their plans monthly in 2025.
To qualify for the “Extra Help” program, your income must be at or below 150% of the poverty level.
Plans change every year, so it’s a good idea to check your Medicare Part D plan every year, even if you get the Extra Help benefit.
Original Medicare, sometimes called Part A and Part B, helps with hospital, physician and outpatient services.
A Medicare Supplement will most likely be needed to cover costs not covered by Part A and Part B.
Medicare Advantage, or Part C, combines Parts A and B into one plan, while Medicare Part D covers prescription drug plans.
During open enrollment, beneficiaries can make changes to these plans that provide better support for their health and well-being.
It’s time to change what doesn’t work and keep what works.
Locally, AAA7 is available as a resource for those in their ten-county district who want help with Medicare or open enrollment.
Medicare Review Counseling is by appointment only and there are several open dates at the AAA7 Jackson office on October 21st, November 8th and December 2nd.
Call 1-800-582-7277, ext. 250, or email [email protected] for more information.
If you’ve switched to a new plan, your coverage will start on January 1, 2025. If you stay with the same plan, any changes to coverage, benefits or costs for the new year will start on January 1 of 2025.
Between January 1 and March 31, if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can leave your plan and switch to another Medicare Advantage plan with or without prescription drug coverage or go back to Original Medicare. If you return to Original Medicare, you’ll also have the option to join a Medicare prescription drug plan. Your coverage will begin on the first day of the month following your enrollment. In some cases, you may be able to make other changes if you qualify for a special enrollment period.
More information about Medicare plans and options is available at www.medicare.gov.
AAA7 helps people with Medicare in a number of ways.
AAA7 has staff who can help you determine if you are eligible for Medicare premium assistance, such as the Medicare Savings Program, which if eligible pays your Medicare Part B premium and/or the low-income subsidy program that helps those with Medicare Part D premiums and co-pays.
AA7 staff can also help you during open enrollment by comparing your Medicare prescription drug plans or Medicare Advantage plans.
AAA7 can also answer general Medicare questions you may have. Medicare Check-Up counseling is by appointment only.
Counties covered by AAA7 include Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton.
For questions or assistance, call toll-free 1-800-582-7277, extension 250, or email [email protected].