Important dates for Medicare beneficiaries

September 30:   Receipt of Annual Notice of Change and Evidence of Coverage

October 15: Medicare Open Enrollment begins

December 7: Medicare Open Enrollment ends

If you are on a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medicare Prescription Plan, you should be watching your mail for your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and Evidence of Coverage (EOC) from your plan providers. You should receive it by Monday, September 30.

Many people make the mistake of not taking time to review this important information. Don't be one of them. Your plan may be making changes for 2013 that affect your coverage, your premiums or the health care providers you currently see. You have the opportunity during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period beginning October 15 to switch to a plan that's a better fit for you. But, you must make the switch before the Open Enrollment Period ends on December 7.

Are all Medicare Advantage Plans the same?

The short answer is no, they are not all the same. Here are a few factors to consider:

What are the costs associated with your coverage - Some Medicare Advantage plans offer premiums as low as $0. However, with recent legislation changes, these $0 premiums may become less widely available.

Whether the plan has drug coverage - Most, but not all Medicare Advantage plans offer drug coverage. If you have existing credible drug coverage, you may be interested in a plan without drug coverage.

What additional benefits are offered - Medicare Advantage plans will sometimes offer benefits beyond what is covered in Original Medicare.

You will probably see a lot of advertising for Medicare plans during Open Enrollment. Don’t let these ads confuse you. There may be a plan that is a better choice for you. I am affiliated with many of the nation's most respected insurance companies and can help you find the one that's right for you. Call Laura Mutsko at 440-255-5700 during Open Enrollment to discuss your concerns.

Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15 and ends December 7, 2012.


Barbara Comiskey has been a resident of Euclid for 16 years. She is a solopreneur and marketing specialist who works with small to midsize businesses and entrepreneurial companies, many who focus on services for older adults. She is  married to a life-long resident of Euclid, Charles Comiskey, and together they have four children and six grandchildren.

Barbara Comiskey

My name is Barbara Comiskey and I have been a resident of Euclid for 16 years. I am a solopreneur and marketing specialist who works with small to midsize businesses and entrepreneurial companies, many who focus on services for older adults. I am married to a life-long resident of Euclid, Charles Comiskey, and together we have four children and six grandchildren.

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Volume 3, Issue 10, Posted 4:10 PM, 10.05.2012