Insurance Insights
October 17-23, 2016
Medicare Open Enrollment starts October 15
By Allen Kerr
This week I want to take the time to remind Arkansas seniors of the start of Medicare Open Enrollment on October 15.
If you’re an Arkansas senior, or know one, making sure to participate in Medicare Open Enrollment should be on your to-do list. I encourage all Arkansans on Medicare to take this opportunity to make the best decision for their health plans and prescription drug coverage for 2017. And, if you need assistance, our Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) staff is ready to help!
During the open enrollment period, Medicare-eligible Arkansans can:
– Change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan.
– Change from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare.
– Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan.
– Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that doesn’t offer drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers drug coverage.
– Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage Plan that doesn’t offer drug coverage.
– Join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
– Switch from one Medicare drug plan to another Medicare drug plan.
– Drop your Medicare prescription drug coverage completely.
If Medicare beneficiaries are satisfied with their current coverage and feel it will meet their needs for 2016, they do not need to do anything. Those with original Medicare are eligible to shop for a health or drug plan; or, individuals with a Medicare Advantage health plan may use the Open Enrollment period to switch to original Medicare. It’s worth it to take the time to review and compare Medicare options.
I believe Arkansas seniors should view the Open Enrollment period as the best tool for empowering them as consumers. As Medicare beneficiaries shop for what’s right for them, that causes benefits, quality and premiums to continue to improve.
The Medicare Open Enrollment period runs through December 7, 2016. For further information, Arkansans can visit AID’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) at http://Insurance.Arkansas.gov/shiip.htm or call us at 800-224-6330.
It is my pleasure to continue to serve you as your Insurance Commissioner. For more information on the Arkansas Insurance Department, please visit http://insurance.arkansas.gov, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ARInsuranceDept and Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ArkansasInsuranceDepartment.
Allen Kerr was appointed Arkansas Insurance Commissioner on Jan. 13, 2016, by Governor Asa Hutchinson.