ASK SHIP - Your Monthly Medicare Q&A

Posted on

Oct 22, 2021

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Q: I have wanted to change my Medicare Advantage plan, and I was told I could during the Annual Enrollment Period. When is this, and how do I change my plan?
A: The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is October 15 December 7. During this time, you can make changes to various aspects of your Medicare Advantage and Part D drug coverage. Changes made during this time will take place January 1, 2022.
One of the best tools to help you during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is the PlanfinderTool located at www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan. It takes you step-by-step through available Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans while taking your prescription drug costs into consideration.
Another great tool for beneficiaries is MyMedicare.gov. You can register for online access to your preventive health information and track your preventive services, get a calendar of the Medicare-covered tests and screenings you are eligible for, and print a report to take to your health care provider.
If you have already created an account on MyMedicare.gov, you will use that same username and password to log into the new Plan Finder there is no need to create another account.
Another great resource for Medicare beneficiaries is SHIP! The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free, impartial assistance with Medicare questions.
SHIP Counselors are thoroughly trained and are located throughout Indiana. See a list of our Indiana locations at www.in.gov/ship/find-an-indiana-ship-location/.
You can meet with a SHIP Counselor by phone, virtually with an online meeting, and in some areas, in person.
SHIP Counselors are able to help walk you through the online Planfinder Tool.
SHIP offers events throughout Indiana. You can find a current list of events www.in.gov/ship/ship-presentations-and-events/.
Find SHIP on Facebook at facebook.com/Indiana.SHIP. SHIP often hosts Live Educational events that assist Medicare beneficiaries.
If you or someone you know have questions about the Annual Enrollment Period, the Planfinder Tool, MyMedicare.gov, or any other Medicare related topic, contact SHIP at 1-800-452-4800, 1-866-846-0139 TTY or online at www.medicare.in.gov. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

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