What to Do After Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Period: A Post-Enrollment Checklist
The Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Period (AEP) is an important time for beneficiaries to review and make changes to their Medicare coverage. It typically runs from October 15 to December 7 each year, and it provides a window for Medicare beneficiaries to make changes such as switching between Medicare Advantage plans (Part C), changing prescription drug plans (Part D), or returning to Original Medicare (Parts A and B) if they are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Once the Medicare Open Enrollment Period ends, you might feel a sense of relief or maybe a little uncertainty about what comes next. But there’s still work to be done. Here’s a guide on what you should do after the Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Period ends, to ensure you’re fully prepared for the upcoming year.
1. Review Your New Coverage
Once the Medicare AEP has closed, you’ll want to take the time to carefully review your new plan details. If you made any changes during AEP—whether that’s switching to a different Medicare Advantage plan, changing your Part D prescription drug coverage, or returning to Original Medicare—make sure the new plan information is correct. You should receive an “Annual Notice of Change” (ANOC) from your new plan, which outlines any changes to coverage, costs, or network changes for the coming year.
Key items to review include:
- Premiums: Are your premiums for Part B (medical insurance), Part D (prescription drug plan), or your Medicare Advantage plan increasing or decreasing? Know exactly how much you’ll be paying each month.
- Covered services and benefits: Make sure the plan you’ve chosen still covers all of your health needs. Are there any changes to what’s covered? Have there been reductions in coverage for certain treatments or prescriptions?
- Prescription coverage: Verify that your medications are still covered and at the best price. Review the formulary (list of covered drugs) and make sure your prescriptions will still be covered in the next year.
- Network changes: If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check if your doctors, hospitals, or specialists are still in-network. Changes to the plan’s provider network can affect where you receive care.
2. Check Your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN)
Starting in January, Medicare beneficiaries begin receiving their Medicare Summary Notice (MSN)—which is a statement that provides a detailed list of all services that have been billed to Medicare. This statement can help you spot any errors, fraud, or issues with your coverage.
Review your MSN for the following:
- Charges: Ensure all services listed were received and are accurately billed.
- Coverage: Double-check that all charges were covered appropriately by your Medicare plan. If not, you may need to appeal or contact your provider or Medicare.
- Fraud or errors: If you see unfamiliar charges or services you didn’t receive, you can report them to Medicare.
3. Look Into Other Coverage Options
While AEP may be over, it’s important to remember that you might still qualify for Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) during the year under certain conditions. If you experience a qualifying life event, such as moving to a new area, losing other health coverage, or qualifying for Medicaid, you may be able to make changes to your Medicare coverage outside the Open Enrollment Period.
For example:
- If you move to a new state or county and your current Medicare Advantage plan is no longer available in your area, you may qualify for an SEP to enroll in a new plan.
- If you lose employer-sponsored coverage, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period to change your Medicare coverage.
Make sure you’re aware of these opportunities and what changes they might allow.
4. Pay Your Premiums and Set Up Automatic Payments
Once you’ve reviewed your plan options, make sure to stay on top of your Medicare premiums. Medicare premiums can be deducted automatically from your Social Security payments, but you may also receive a bill if you’re not receiving Social Security benefits.
If you haven’t already set up automatic payments, consider doing so to avoid late fees. There are a few different ways to pay your premiums:
- Direct deduction from Social Security: Most people have their premiums deducted automatically.
- Online payments or mail: You can also set up an online account with Medicare or mail in your payments.
- Third-party payment services: Some banks and services offer payment options for Medicare beneficiaries.
5. Update Your Contact Information
Ensure that Medicare has your current contact information, such as your mailing address, phone number, and email. If you move or change contact details, you can update this information online via your MyMedicare.gov account or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.
This ensures that you receive all of your plan documents, coverage updates, and notifications promptly. Plus, keeping your contact details up-to-date will help you avoid missing out on any important notices, including those about premiums, coverage changes, or health and wellness programs.
6. Check Your Health Needs and Plan Again Mid-Year
While you’ve made decisions during the Open Enrollment Period, it’s always good to stay informed. Healthcare needs can change throughout the year, and it’s important to remain flexible. For example, if you have health problems or your prescription drug needs change, you may want to re-evaluate your Medicare plan at the next opportunity.
Even though you can’t make changes during the year unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, reviewing your plan’s performance mid-year is an important step. If you’re finding that your new coverage isn’t working as expected, you can start thinking about the upcoming Open Enrollment Period to make changes.
7. Take Advantage of Wellness Benefits
Medicare offers a variety of preventive services that you should take advantage of, many of which are offered at no cost or low cost to you. For example, services like flu shots, cardiovascular screenings, cancer screenings, and diabetes self-management training are covered. Additionally, Medicare Advantage plans often offer extra perks.
Check with your plan to see what additional benefits are available to you and make sure to schedule your preventive care appointments in the new year.
Conclusion
Once the Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Period ends, your responsibility as a beneficiary isn’t quite finished. Following these steps will ensure that you’re not only ready for the upcoming year, but that you’re also maximizing your benefits and avoiding surprises. By staying proactive with your health care needs, reviewing your coverage, and taking advantage of the tools available to you, you can make the most of your Medicare benefits throughout the year.
If you find yourself overwhelmed or confused by any aspect of your Medicare plan, don’t hesitate to reach out to Medicare directly or consult with a licensed insurance agent who specializes in Medicare. They can help clarify any details and ensure you’re getting the right coverage for your needs.
Need help? Call Health Plans in Oregon: 503-928-6918. Our assistance is at no cost to you.
