Presentation Of Importance To Many Medicare Beneficiaries At Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center

Medicare experts say choosing a new health care or prescription drug plan is something every person who is qualified for such coverage should take seriously and in a timely fashion. 

This means, according to Susan Samson, with the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas and liaison to the Florida Department of Elder Affairs’ SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs for Elders) Program, Medicare beneficiaries need to carefully consider coverage and cost. 

Furthermore, whenever necessary people should reach out to get the kind of information they need to make informed decisions about the benefits he or she is qualified to receive.  She says right now this is significantly important because a major change has been made in terms of when a Medicare recipient can make changes to his or her plan.

Toward this end on Wednesday, Jan. 19 at 1 p.m. at the Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center, 5501 27th Ave. South., a presentation will be made by SHINE to address questions Medicare recipients might have about how and when they can make changes in their plans.  If you are not already aware of it, as part of the Affordable Care Act, now each year Medicare will provide a new Annual Disenrollment Period, from January 1 to February 14, during which beneficiaries who have a Medicare Advantage Plan can make changes.  As Samson points out, this is a change from years past.  What was previously the Open Enrollment period now no longer exists as of the first of this year.

During the Annual Disenrollment Period, individuals enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan may switch back to Original Medicare and also choose to pick up a stand-alone Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.  This is regardless of whether you previously had Part D coverage.

“Any changes made during the Annual Disenrollment Period become effective the first day of the following month,” Samson noted.  “As well, beneficiaries are only allowed one change during this enrollment period, which emphasizes the importance of reviewing your options carefully.”

The SHINE program – a free, volunteer-based, state health insurance initiative -- can help you compare plans and understand your options. It is provided locally through the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc. 

If you are unable to attend the upcoming presentation at the Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center, but would like assistance in understanding the new Medicare Annual Disenrollment Period, for general inquiries or to set up an appointment with a trained SHINE counselor, please call the Elder Helpline toll-free at 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337).