The 2013 Medicare Part A and B general enrollment period runs from January 1 through March 31, 2013. As detailed below, this enrollment period is especially important for many individuals who are not eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A. Most people do not pay a premium for Medicare Part A because they have sufficient work history. … Read more →

The Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP) lasts from January 1st through February 14th of each year.  During the MADP, a beneficiary can switch from an MA plan to traditional Medicare. The new MADP also provides an opportunity to enroll in a Part D drug plan for those who have not already done so. When disenrolling … Read more →

As discussed in last week’s Alert, the current Medicare Annual Enrollment Period lasts until December 7th.[1]  During this time period, Medicare beneficiaries can choose a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Part D plan for 2013.  This Alert discusses Part C and D plan quality ratings for 2013, and special enrollment periods related to these ratings.  … Read more →

Fall is the time for Medicare beneficiaries to explore their options regarding Part D prescription drug plans and Part C Medicare Advantage plans.  The Annual Coordinated Election Period (ACEP) for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans will start on October 15th and end on December 7th.[1] This means that Medicare beneficiaries have … Read more →

The Center for Medicare Advocacy has been hearing more often from persons nearing retirement who work in small businesses, many of which have fewer than 20 employees.  Questions include whether COBRA benefits[1] will be available to them after they close their businesses and whether they have to keep some form of health care coverage to … Read more →

Continued health care coverage authorized by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, commonly referred to as COBRA, provides a great step forwarded in reducing gaps in insurance for people between jobs or losing coverage due to the death of the covered worker in a family.  The rules for COBRA coverage are, nonetheless, complicated.  … Read more →

Caution Advocates are seeing an increase in the number of Medicare beneficiaries who have delayed enrolling in Medicare Part B, thinking, erroneously, that because they are paying for and receiving continued health coverage under COBRA, they do not have to enroll in Medicare Part B.[1]  COBRA-qualified beneficiaries who have delayed enrollment in Medicare Part B … Read more →

  Part 1: Today (12/7/2011) is the Last Day of the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, With a Limited Extension Today, December 7, 2011, is the last day of the Medicare Annual Coordinated Election Period (ACEP), also known as the Annual Election Period (AEP), the period during which people can make changes to their Medicare Advantage … Read more →

Fall is the time for Medicare beneficiaries to explore their options regarding Part D prescription drug and Part C Medicare Advantage plans.  In years past, the annual enrollment period began in mid-November and lasted to the end of the year, with any changes or choices made effective January 1st.  Starting this year, that time period … Read more →

An estimated 50,000[1] Medicare beneficiaries who are currently enrolled in Medicare Advantage "Special Needs Plans" (SNPs) but who do not meet the definition of a special needs individual for purposes of their plan will be disenrolled from those plans effective December 31, 2011. Before the end of September 2011, each such beneficiary will receive a … Read more →