Medicare Changes Open Enrollment Period

Every year there is an open enrollment period in which Medicare beneficiaries can switch to an alternate plan. If you want to change your Medicare coverage for 2012, you need to be aware that the enrollment period has changed. Instead of November 15 to December 31 as in previous years, this year the Medicare enrollment period begins October 15 and ends December 7.

Marv Worthen, Executive Director of the Community Assistance Network (formerly the Sun City Taxpayers Association), describes this period as “the one time during the year people can change to a new plan that will better serve their situations.”  Marv also stresses it is not required that one take any action regarding Medicare benefits.  If no changes are made during the open enrollment period, the previous year’s plan will remain in place.

In order to help people determine the best plan, the Community Assistance Network provides free access to a Benefits Assistance Counselor during the open enrollment period.  CAN is located in the northeast corner of the Sun Valley Lodge and appointments with a counselor can be reserved by calling (623)933-7530.