Medicare Annual Notice of Change
What is it and why is it important to me?
By early October, everyone who has a Medicare Advantage plan or a Prescription Drug plan should receive information in the mail about their plan called the “Annual Notice of Change” (ANOC). This notice provides important information on changes you will see in your insurance coverage, cost and services for 2015.
It's important for you to go over this information in detail. Don’t make a costly mistake and find out too late that your plan has made major changes that you will be locked into for the next year.
Some key areas to review are:
Is your plan still available in your county? Some popular plans have been discontinued in some counties for 2015.
Changes in benefits and cost: Are there changes that affect the services you use? Has the amount of your co-pay changed? Have the premiums or out-of-pocket costs changed?
Part D Prescription Drug Plan: Are your prescription medications covered? Are they in a different tier? Can you continue to use the same pharmacies? Has the premium, deductible or tier costs changed?
Providers Network: Are your doctors still in the network? (You can confirm this with the online directory.)
You have the opportunity NOW during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period to switch to more suitable coverage. This year, open enrollment begins October 15 and continues through December 7 so you have plenty of time to shop and compare plans.
Have questions? Plan now to attend Getting Started with Medicare at the Euclid Library on Wednesday, October 8, 7:00 to 8:30 pm, presented by Laura Mutsko of Mutsko Insurance Services, LLC. This class covers all the basics and is especially helpful for people turning 65, those going on Medicare for the first time or anyone who want to brush up on the most current Medicare information.
Preregistration is required. Please call the library at 216-261-5300 to register. This event is only for educational purposes and no plan specific benefits or details will be discussed.
For answers to all your health insurance questions, call Laura Mutsko, Mutsko Insurance Services, LLC at 440-255-5700 or email lmutsko@mutskoinsurancecom
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.