Is Open Enrollment the same if I get my coverage from my Union or former employer?

I heard that I should review my Medicare coverage during Fall Open Enrollment and I have until December 7 to make changes. Does that apply to me if I get my insurance through my former employer or a union?

 

Retirees who receive health insurance or a supplement from their former employer or union may not have the same open enrollment time-frame as people with Original Medicare or individually purchased Medicare Advantage or Prescription Part D Plans.Their "annual open enrollment" period is the time period established by their former employer or union. It is probably not the same as Medicare’s Open Enrollment period.

This is very confusing if their time-frame occurs within the Medicare Open Enrollment period. Many people have ignored an October mailing from their former employer or union, thinking they have until December 7 to act, only to find later that they needed to make changes much sooner.

I advise everyone with insurance from a former employer or union to open and read all mail regarding their insurance right away. Pay particular attention to the dates by which you need to respond. Don’t sign up for Medicare C, D or a Medicare Supplement without consulting your former employer or union insurance administrator. Signing up individually may end your retiree insurance and make it extremely difficult to get back if you make the wrong choice.

If however, you find that your employer or union provided plan no longer suits your needs, it may be time to look into other plans with better coverage. Call Mutsko Insurance Services, LLC to set up a Medicare health insurance review. We are conveniently located in Mentor at 6966 Spinach Drive. Call 440-255-5700 or email lmutsko@mutskoinsurance.com today.