The Annual Open Enrollment Period (AOEP) for Medicare Prescription Drug Plans and Advantage Plans is October 15 to December 7th. People with Medicare benefits should review their coverage with special consideration of their prescription benefits and how those benefits may be changing for 2024.
Each year, Medicare Part D and Advantage Plans can make changes to their coverage benefits, premiums, formularies and co-payments. During the AOEP, Medicare beneficiaries are able to switch certain types of plans if they find one that provides better coverage or saves money.
Soon you should receive a 2024 Medicare & You Handbook in the mail, as well as a letter from your current plan called an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). Please take some time to look at both as they will provide important information about the changes your plan will be making for next year. The ANOC will list formulary changes, premium and deductible increases, and network shifts; all of which will be very important as you decide whether to keep your plan or switch before December 7th.
Here are some things to consider: 1) the plan cost which includes monthly premium, annual deductible and co-payments 2) the formulary, which is the list of medicines covered, both brand name and generic 3) the provider network (the doctors, facilities or pharmacies that will accept the plan) and 4) any extra benefits and the customer service which has been provided. Medicare beneficiaries who are satisfied with their current coverage and like the look of their future plan will not have to take any action during the enrollment period. For anyone who decides to switch and enroll in a new plan, coverage by the new plan will begin January 1, 2024.
A plan comparison tool is available on the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov. The tool helps sort through available plans and show those that are the best value based on the prescriptions entered. Help is available through the PA MEDI (PA Medicare Education & Decision Insight) Program for those who would like to discuss plan changes and options with a trained counselor. Volunteer counselors will help research and explain your choices. PA MEDI Counselors will educate and translate – they will not make recommendations. Appointments to receive help in comparing plans can be made by calling the Adams County Office for Aging, 318 W. Middle St. in Gettysburg, 717-334-9296.
Linda Thompson has worked at the Adams County Office for Aging, Inc. two different times for a total of 29 years. Linda works with ACOFA’s community programs including senior centers, transportation, volunteer coordination, Medicare counseling, and public education and outreach. She is a graduate of Gettysburg College with a degree in Sociology and Elementary Education. Linda lives in Gettysburg with her husband, Ed. They have three grown, married sons and six perfect grandchildren.