HealthSpan Members Can Choose a New Plan

Laura Mutsko

Owner, Mutsko Insurance Services

I received a notice from my Medicare Advantage Plan (HealthSpan) informing me that my plan is being discontinued and that they are automatically enrolling me in a new Medical Mutual Advantage Plan for 2017. I'm looking at the costs. Do I have to go along with this change or do I have other options?

You do not have to accept this automatic change. 

HealthSpan policyholders have the right to return to Original Medicare or shop for an Advantage plan that suits their budget and includes their preferred doctors, hospitals and other health care providers.

HealthSpan policyholders who take no action will automatically be enrolled in a Medical Mutual Medicare Advantage HMO plan effective January 1, 2017, and will have to start using the doctors and other providers in this new plan’s network. All policyholders should have received information on their new premiums, co-pays and other costs for the new plan.

If you wish to decline this coverage you have two options:

You can shop and compare other Advantage plans right now, during Medicare’s Open Enrollment period and sign up before December 7, 2016. Coverage for a plan you enroll in during open enrollment will take effect on January 1, 2017 so you will not have any coverage gaps.

Because HealthSpan Medicare Plus is terminating their plan, policyholders also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. The Special Enrollment Period runs from December 8, 2016 through February 28, 2017, giving policyholders some extra time to choose a plan other than the one that was selected for them. Policyholders can disenroll from the current plan and re-enroll in Original Medicare or enroll in a different Medicare Advantage or Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan during this time.

As an independent agent, I am permitted to help HealthSpan members review their options and help them choose the plan offering the best combination of rates and coverage for their circumstances.  My policyholders know they can count on me for help with claims or questions, updates and information, and unbiased advice. If you would like my help finding the right Medicare Advantage plan for you, call me to set up an appointment today. My office is conveniently located at 6966 Spinach Drive in Mentor, just around the corner from Route 2 and 615. I can be reached at 440-255-5700 or Lmutsko@mutskoinsurance.com.

Barbara Comiskey

Laura Mutsko, owner of Mutsko Insurance Services, LLC, has been a licensed insurance agent since 1997. She established Mutsko Insurance Services, LLC in February 2006. Laura has extensive experience in the insurance industry, much of it in the field of health and elder insurance products and services.

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Volume 7, Issue 12, Posted 6:37 PM, 12.04.2016