New Medicare plans offered

The Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) wants to notify North Carolina’s 1.3 million Medicare beneficiaries that there is a limited open enrollment period for Medicare Advantage Only Plans (i.e. Medicare Advantage plans that do not offer prescription drug coverage. People with Original Medicare can join one of the Medicare Advantage Only plans any time during 2007 and 2008. This enrollment is in addition to any special election periods or the initial enrollment period for individuals new to the federal Medicare program.
The limited open enrollment period does allow for more flexible enrollment into a Medicare Advantage Only plan; however, there are some limitations that beneficiaries should consider before joining one of these plans:
• If you have Original Medicare and a Part D prescription drug plan, you may only join a Medicare Advantage PFFS plan (private fee for service plan) that does not have drug coverage without your Part D coverage being cancelled. If you do sign up for a plan that cancels your Part D coverage, you will be notified to confirm that you understand the change.
• You are not allowed to enroll in a Medicare Medical Savings Account, in Medicare Advantage plans that include prescription drug coverage, or a Medicare Part D plan during the limited open enrollment period.
• If you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, the limited open enrollment period does not apply to your coverage — it is only for those enrolled in Original Medicare.
While Medicare Advantage plans may be a more cost effective option for beneficiaries, it is important to compare the prospective plan to your current coverage and determine if your doctors and hospitals accept the new plan before making any change.
If you have questions about Medicare Advantage plans or the limited open enrollment period, contact the Department of Insurance’s Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program at 1-800-443-9354 or visit SHIIP online at www.ncshiip.com.