The Alliance for Retired Americans reminds us that Open Enrollment for Medicare runs from October 15 through December 7, 2011. This is the time for seniors to join, add, drop or switch Medicare health or drug coverage. Changes made during this period will take effect January 1, 2012.
“It’s worth it to take the time to compare,” offers www.medicare.gov, the official U.S. government website for Medicare. Detailed information about eligibility and enrollment options can be found on that site, or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
You can also compare health and drug plans, Medigap policies, hospitals, nursing homes, etc., and check out the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ rating system for plans by going to https://www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan/questions/home.aspx.
In 2011, and for now on, the Fall Open Enrollment period will start earlier (October 15) and end earlier (December 7) than in years past.
