Copyright WDIV ClickOnDetroit
Medicare’s annual enrollment period is underway, and with plan changes on tap, beneficiaries should review their options now, Michael Wirth of Trinity Health Plan of Michigan said during an appearance on “Live in the D.” “Generally speaking, you’re looking at people who are over the age of 65,” Wirth said of eligibility. He added that some people may qualify earlier “if they have a certain chronic illness or if they’ve been on disability for over 24 months.” Open enrollment runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, with coverage effective Jan. 1 for those who enroll during that window, Wirth said. People turning 65 have a seven-month initial enrollment period - three months before their birth month, the month of, and three months after. Special enrollment may apply for those moving, retiring or losing employer coverage. Wirth outlined three paths: - Original Medicare (Parts A and B), which does not include prescription coverage and typically requires pairing with a Part D drug plan. - Original Medicare plus a Medigap supplement, again usually paired with a Part D plan. - Medicare Advantage, which combines Parts A and B, often includes drug coverage and may add extra benefits. “Everyone’s a very unique situation,” Wirth said. “They want to make sure that they’re getting the plan for them.” Ahead of enrollment, Wirth urged beneficiaries to review their Annual Notice of Change. “Most people just throw it in the garbage,” he said. “It’s really imperative you want to read those.” He recommended comparing plans and checking costs and benefits at Medicare.gov, calling 1-800-MEDICARE, working with local agents and brokers, or contacting carriers directly, including Trinity Health Plan of Michigan.
