Switching Medicare advantage plans? Important deadline coming up – cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Seniors have until end of the month to change their Medicare Advantage plans, and there are a lot of options.

The open enrollment for Medicare Advantage, otherwise known as Medicare Part C, runs through March 31. Northeast Ohio has no shortage of options with 90 plans available. Chris Reeg, director of the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Program, said this region has the most plans in the U.S.

Reeg said there are multiple enrollment periods in Medicare, and it can be confusing. Here’s what she said seniors need to know:

Who can change plans?

This enrollment period is for people who already have Medicare Advantage plans. Individuals can switch from one plan to another, or back to original Medicare.

What is a Medicare Advantage?

Traditional Medicare consists of parts A and B — hospitalization and medical. Most don’t pay premiums for part A but do for Part B. There are also supplemental plans, which are commonly mistaken for Advantage plans.

Individuals can sign up for Medicare Advanatge plans to replace parts A and B. Reeg said the Advantage plans by law have to cover what original Medicare covers. Some offer many more benefits, like dental or vision. They also may or may not have monthly premiums.

What if I currently have original Medicare?

If you have traditional Medicare, you have to wait for Medicare’s open enrollment from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. During that time you can join, switch or drop many different plans that will go into effect Jan. 1.

Reeg said there are other enrollment periods to catch individuals at different times. So you may be able to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan earlier in certain situations.

Should I get a Medicare Advantage?

Reeg said what’s best varies person-to-person. But she said there are ways to get help.

You can call the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Program at 1-800-686-1578. Reeg said experts will give people factual information and educate people.

People can also call 1-800-Medicare 24 hours a day, she said.

Both services are good, she said, because they are not trying to sell anyone plans, and will be objective.