It's Medicare Open Enrollment Time!

Medicare's Annual Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7. Now is the time to review your plan and make changes.

It's that time of year! Medicare's Annual Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7. This is a great time to review the plan you have (such as a Medicare Advantage Plan or supplement) and determine if the plan you are currently on is still the best option for you.

It's worth noting that the best plan for you might not be the same as the best plan for others you know. It is different for each person depending on health status, what medications you take, etc. There have been several changes to Medicare, including which medications are covered, so now is a good time to review your current policy.

If you're looking for help, we have two recommendations. Both offer free, unbiased information and assistance with health and drug plans to Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers. Both can help you look at the medications you take and determine which is the best plan for you and your family. Scroll down to find out who can help and how to contact them.

Keep in mind that you do NOT have to change your plan if you feel what you have is working for you. Just make sure you do your research to find out what is changing next year. Be sure there aren’t any changes that you don’t know about.

Medicare is reducing the number of plans that help with prescriptions, so we highly recommend that you review your plan so you aren’t caught unaware if your plan changes.

Option 1: State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)

Visit online at Medicare Assistance | Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Aging Services or call 866.552.4464 and select Option 4 - Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

In the Athens area, contact Athens Community Council on Aging’s SHIP program coordinator Louise Platter at 706.549.4850 for an in-person or phone call review. In the Gainesville area, contact Legacy Link at 770.538.2650 or 800.845.5465 or through their online form to be connected with a SHIP counselor. Contact – Legacy Link

Option 2: Affordable Medicare Solutions

Contact Affordable Medicare Solutions at Georgia Medicare Plans and Health Insurance Coverage – Affordable Medicare Solutions. Anyone in that office can assist you. Robin works often with Lynn Haney and she has always done a great job with Kimbrough Law clients. Contact Lynne at Lynn@AMSplans.com or 770.945.5261 x 607.

This download explains more about annual reviews with Affordable Medicare Solutions:

Don't Forget about Medicare.gov

You can also set up an account for yourself on Medicare.gov and enter in your medications. The website then recommends Medicare Advantage Plans based on your situation and the medications you currently take. The download below walks you through the account set-up process.