Is your Medicare plan still the right fit for you? Medicare Open Enrollment, held each year from October 15 through December 7, is your opportunity to review your coverage, compare Medicare plans, and make changes for the year ahead. With premiums, prescriptions, doctors, and coverage changing from year to year, taking a few minutes to review your options could help you find a plan that better meets your needs and budget. Not sure where to start? You don’t have to figure it out alone! Free, unbiased one-on-one Medicare assistance is available from trained counselors throughout Washtenaw County who can help you understand your options and compare plans.  

 

Open Enrollment 101 

• Medicare open enrollment happens every year between October 15th and December 7th.  The plan you opt into will start on January 1st.    
• Open enrollment is for current Medicare enrollees. If you don’t qualify for open enrollment, you can enroll during special enrollment periods throughout the year.   
• Want to learn more? Join CCWC for a free Medicare Open Enrollment presentation (flyer below) 

 

 

What can I change?  

• Signing up for Part D prescription plan.  
• Switching Part D plans.  
• Choosing or switching Medicare Advantage plans.  
• Swapping Medicare Advantage for original Medicare and a Part D plan.   

  

Avoiding Common Scams   

We’ve covered Medicare open enrollment scams on the blog before.  Open Enrollment is a time when scammers are very active, so make sure to be careful. 

• Keep your information safe.  
  • Don’t share private information (e.g., Social Security number, Medicare ID number, etc.).  
  • If a caller asks for information because they claim you need a new card, know that Medicare would never ask for information over the phone. You can order a new card by going to Medicare.gov or calling Medicare at (800) 633-4227.  

• Know common signs of scams.   
  • Medicare will not contact you unless you reach out to them.  
  • Anyone calling and claiming to be a Medicare representative is likely a scammer.   
  • If a caller pressures you to act immediately or threatens that you’ll lose benefits unless you act right away, this is a classic scam tactic.   
  • Stop, breathe, and ask yourself whether what the caller says makes sense.   
  • Hang up and contact Medicare to see if there are really any issues with your account/benefits.   
  • If someone wants to help you enroll in Medicare but says you need to pay them in advance or pressures you to enroll in a specific plan, it’s a scam. Medicare navigation is free and available in many communities and via phone (see below!) 
  • If someone is pressuring you to make a specific decision, remember that they probably benefit from it!  
  • Offering rebates or refunds  
    • If there is a legitimate discount, you’d hear about it from your insurance, not from a random phone call.   
    • Offering free services/medical supplies/medical testing  

Remember: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is!  

Medicare won’t reach out to you unless you reach out to them first.   

   

Medicare Navigation (also sometimes called SHIP)  

• AgeWays Nonprofit Senior Services (248) 262-0545  

• Catholic Charities Washtenaw County (734) 971-9781, Ext. 8 

• Chelsea Senior Center (734) 475-9242 (October 22 & November 12. By appointment only) 

• Dexter Senior Center (734)-426-7737 

• Pittsfield Township Senior Center (734) 822-2117 or email [email protected] 

• Jewish Family Services (734) 769-0209  

• Manchester Community Resource Center (734) 428-7722  

• Michigan State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) (800) 803-7174  

• Saline Area Senior Center (734) 429-9274 

• Turner Senior Wellness Program (734) 998-9353  

• Washtenaw Health Project (734) 544-3030  

• Washtenaw County Social Security Administration (734) 481-2000  

 

Medicare Information  

• Your Medicare Rights via Medicare.gov  
• Reporting Medicare Fraud and Abuse via Medicare.gov  
• Getting Medicare Information in Other Languages via Medicare.gov  
• Beware of Medicare Open Enrollment Scams via MI Consumer Protection   

 

Medical resources: Washtenaw Health Plan 

If you need additional insurance coverage, but aren’t eligible for other insurance, consider looking into the Washtenaw Health Plan. While it’s not health insurance, the Washtenaw Health Plan covers medically necessary healthcare, including: 

• Doctor visits 
• Outpatient labs and x-rays 
• Surgery and hospitalization 
• Some mental health services 

The Washtenaw Health Plan is run by the Washtenaw Health Project and must be renewed every year. Call (734) 544-3030 or visit their website for more information.