Medicare Open Enrollment Deadline Offers Opportunity, Pitfalls

MedicareColorado.com expert offers tips for December 7 Medicare open enrollment deadline

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Medicare can be a complex maze to navigate. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates Medicare enrollment for 2013 will increase by 11 percent, which means more people than ever will be depending on it for vital health care services. As the December 7, 2012, open enrollment deadline races to a close, MedicareColorado.com Director Scott Stafford says the deadline offers seniors both opportunity and pitfalls.

“What you don’t know can hurt you”

“What you don’t know can hurt you,” said Stafford. “In my experience, the biggest mistake Medicare enrollees make is not doing their homework. You don’t want to find out the hard way you can no longer see your doctor or that the cost of your prescriptions has skyrocketed.”

Stafford, whose MedicareColorado.com agency specializes in Medicare supplemental insurance, has these five tips for seniors and other Medicare eligible enrollees considering making changes during the open enrollment period:

• Do your homework
• Work with someone you know and trust
• Don’t make hasty decision or get talked into something you don’t want or need
• Find an objective independent agent who can educate and offer you a range of available products
• Remember that there’s no such thing as a perfect plan

During the open enrollment period, Medicare beneficiaries can sign up for or change their current Part D prescription drug plan or Medicare Advantage program. Medicare open enrollment began on October 15th and ends on December 7th, so time is limited for people to make a change.

“We’re here to educate people about what the changes are and how to find the best plan,” said Stafford. “Having an independent agent can help enrollees find the right plan and avoid unexpected changes to their health care coverage come January 1, 2013.”

Stafford’s MedicareColorado.com is a group of independent licensed health insurance agents who specialize in Medicare and Medicare supplemental insurance plans specific to the needs of Colorado residents. MedicareColorado.com may be reached at 303-835-0500 or 800-380-1644. Additional resources are available through the Colorado Division of Insurance Colorado SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program) at 888-696-7213 or visit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for open enrollment information.

About MedicareColorado.com

MedicareColorado.com, operated by Benefits Life, LLC, is a partnership of licensed health insurance agents who specialize in Medicare and Medicare supplemental insurance plans specific to the needs of Colorado residents. Benefits Life and MedicareColorado.com are not associated with or endorsed by Medicare, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) or any other government agency. Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information. For a complete listing of plans available in your area, please contact 1-800-MEDICARE or consult www.medicare.gov.