Salem, Ore. – Annual open enrollment for Medicare starts next week.
Medicare is health insurance for people 65 years or older or younger than 65 with Social Security Disability Income.
People living in Oregon who are 65 years or older may be eligible to sign up and find health insurance that best meets their needs. Medicare covers many medical costs, including visits to the doctor, prescription medications, and preventive care, such as mammograms, colonoscopies, diabetes, and blood pressure screenings.
Medicare annual enrollment runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, 2016. Any Medicare Advantage (MA) or prescription drug plan (Part D) changes must be made between these dates so that coverage begins without interruption on Jan. 1, 2017. Those who are late to enroll may face a lifetime of premium penalties.
“It is important to compare Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans every year,” Oregon’s Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) Program Coordinator Lisa Emerson said. “Plans change year to year, as do people’s individual health care needs. People could potentially save money by shopping for a new plan.”
SHIBA provides free insurance counseling to explain how the Medicare program works, additional insurance options that work with Medicare, and help with reducing out-of-pocket costs.
Free, unbiased, one-on-one assistance is available by visiting www.OregonSHIBA.org.
