If you’re like most, there’s not much more on your mind right now than the election of President-elect Barack Obama.
But if you’re enrolled in Medicare, or you will be eligible for Medicare in 2009, there’s something bigger to think about — open enrollment.
Starting Saturday, November 15, 2008 Medicare open enrollment will begin for 2009. The open enrollment period will last until New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2008.
During this period, you’ll have guaranteed access to any Medicare plan — Medicare Advantage, Medicare Select, Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage), and original Medicare plans. You can also switch your Medicare coverage or keep the plan you currently have.
This open enrollment is also when health insurance companies and the federal government will offer the best rates for next year.
So if you, your parents, or grandparents are looking to switch Medicare plans or will be enrolling in Medicare for the first time, the Medicare open enrollment period is the best time to do it.
For more information, visit Medicare.gov.
We’ll keep reminding you about open enrollment as the date rolls closer.