Medicare Open Enrollment: Q&A with a Pharmacist

What is Medicare Open Enrollment?

Each year, Medicare health and drug plans can vary due to changes in legislature and overall healthcare guidelines. The variables that may differ are things like cost, coverage, and what providers and pharmacies are in your networks.

Medicare Open Enrollment is the period in which you can sign-up or make changes to your health plans and medication coverage.

When is the enrollment period?

Medicare’s open enrollment period takes place from October 15 to December 7. This date range does not change from year to year.

 How to decide if you need to update plan?

Regardless of which Medicare health plan or prescription drug benefits you currently receive, it’s important to review the coverage being offered each year. Look for changes in premiums, mentions of penalty fees, and any other moderations to your regular plan.

Materials like the Evidence of Coverage (EOC) and Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), are items that you may want to consider reviewing. If you current plan meets your needs for the upcoming year and is still being offered, you don’t have to do anything.

Need more answers? The official Medicare website provides great resources that will help you get started. Simply visit https://www.medicare.go 

Shell Point residents benefit from an onsite pharmacy, staffed by three full-time pharmacists who fill thousands of prescriptions every month and provide over-the-counter products, durable medical equipment, and prescription services.

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