For people on Medicare, there are some changes to be aware of for 2018
SOCIAL SECURITY
“Medicare is going to replace everyone’s Medicare card starting in April 2018 through April 2019. The cards will be replaced on a scheduled basis. Everyone will get a new card that will have the Social Security number removed and replaced with a unique ID number. It will look different. Nobody needs to initiate anything.”
SCAMS
“There are a lot of scams. There are people calling Medicare beneficiaries, saying they need to pay $35 for these new cards. But Medicare will never call to verify a Medicare number,” or ask for money.
For people on Medicare, there are some changes to be aware of for 2018.
The open enrollment period for Part D prescription drug plans and Part C Medicare Advantage plans is Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.
Prescription drug plans, known as Part D, are advisable for people on Medicare if you are not enrolled in an HMO with drug coverage.
In the past, Medicare allowed companies to merge their enrollees with existing plans,” we have not heard if that is still true.
It’s important to read the annual notice of change from your company. “If people choose not to renew, they have extra time to find other coverage, but it’s important to pay attention to the dates.”
You shouldn’t risk a coverage gap. If this particular plan ends Dec. 31, you have until Feb. 28 to renew. But that leaves two months uncovered — you don’t want to do that.
People who have prescription drug coverage from a retiree plan do not need to enroll in a Part D plan. You don’t need to do anything. If you have credible coverage from a former employer or the Veterans Administration, you don’t need to enroll. (more…)