It’s over! The ads should be gone; telemarketers should stop calling. The 2018 Annual Enrollment (Election) Period for 2019 is over - done for 2019. If you did not select a Medicare Prescription plan or Medicare Advantage plan for 2019, it’s too late (unless, of course, you qualify for a special election period which is another subject).
The last day to make a change or enroll in a Medicare Prescription plan or Medicare Advantage plan was December 7. Yes, those plans were guaranteed to be issued, you could not be turned down and they cover existing conditions. There was some confusion as to when the last day to change plan was – December 7 or December 15. December 7 was the deadline for Medicare beneficiaries and December 15 was the last day for someone under age 65 and not eligible for Medicare to make changes. Even though Medicare Supplement plans are not included in the Annual Enrollment Period changes you can make that are guaranteed, many called to inquire about their plan. Actually, you may review and apply to change your Medicare Supplement plan any time of the year that you want to. But . . . you must answer medical questions and you may be accepted or denied coverage. If you are accepted, your premium may be lower or you may have another plan. If you are not accepted, simply keep the plan you currently have – it cannot be taken away from you. Just a reminder that when you talk with your neighbors, friends or family, all Medicare Supplement plans do not have the same premium – even if they are with the same company. The premium is based on where you live, the plan you select and when you enrolled in your plan. Dental insurance has been a popular subject. Even though dental insurance is not related to the Annual Enrollment Period, this is the time of the year that many think of it. More than one person shared that they paid over $4000 this year in dental expenses – crowns, root canals, periodontal work. With no dental insurance these expenses can be a big financial burden; they can really mess up your budget! It may cost a lot to have pearly white straight teeth and to stay out of pain. And apparently so many have large dental expenses that insurance companies are offering new dental plans with higher benefits. An average dental plan may have a $1000 annual benefit available. Some new, improved plans have $1300 or $1500 annual benefit available. Why so many questions and concerns about dental expenses and dental insurance? Medicare does not cover dental expenses unless they are related to a medical condition. Since Medicare does not cover dental expenses, your Medicare Supplement will not cover them either. Maybe you should consider a dental plan. I hope 2019 is a wonderful year for you. Let me know how you’re doing - call me at 501-868-6650 and say “Caroline, can we talk?”
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AuthorCaroline Beauchamp specializes in personalized life and health insurance solutions. Archives
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