I don’t think Ruth was prepared to hear everything I shared with her at lunch. As Ruth’s mouth dropped open, I told her about the new “rules/regulations” required by CMS (Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services) for all phone calls and communication related to 2023 Medicare prescription and Medicare Advantage plans.
Beginning October 1, all phone calls with Medicare beneficiaries talking about Prescription or Medicare Advantage plans that will be effective January 1, 2023, or later, must be recorded. At the start of the call, I must tell you that the call is being recorded. If that’s ok with you (you consent that the call is recorded), I will have to call you back on a recorded line. If you are unwilling to have the call recorded, I’ll tell you that “new government regulations require certain calls with Medicare beneficiaries to be recorded. The purpose is to maintain quality and help ensure that the information you receive is accurate”. If you are still unwilling to have the call recorded, I must politely tell you that we cannot continue the call. Recording does not apply toward email or meeting in person. Then there’s the disclaimer. Within the fist minute (60 seconds) of a phone call or when communicating electronically by email, a disclaimer must be given. The disclaimer states “I do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information I provide is limited to those plans I do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-Medicare to get information on all of your options.” The Annual Election Period is October 15 through December 7. This is the time when you can review your current plan and compare it to the 2023 plans. You may make changes without being turned down. Any change you make will be effective January 1, 2023. If you want to keep your current plan, you don’t need to do anything. What may be different beginning January 1? Your premium, co-pays, the drugs that are covered, your provider network or your plan may no longer be offered in 2023. It is in your best interest to review your plan. Reviewing does not mean you must change anything. Reviewing means you are checking that your current prescription plan fits your needs at the lowest cost in 2023. And also checking that your Medicare Advantage network fits your needs with the lowest copays, lowest maximum out of pocket and your doctors are still in the network. Where and how can you review plans? You can go to Medicare.gov. Hopefully you’re comfortable with what is shown (and where to click) and understand the information provided. You can contact a certified, professional agent who can walk you through options specific to you and your situation. If you need help or have questions, feel free to call me at 501-868-6650 and say “Caroline, can we talk? Yes, it’s ok to record our call” or email me at [email protected] We can walk and work through this together.
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AuthorCaroline Beauchamp specializes in personalized life and health insurance solutions. Archives
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