Saturday, December 20, 2008

Medicare Enrollment Window Is Now

By Ethan Kalvin

Navigating the myriad of choices in the Medicare program can be a daunting task for seniors today. Especially considering the changes to the program that have been enacted by Congress. Depending on your personal experiences, you may consider Medicar a blessing or a curse.

As the Medicare plans and options changed just a few years ago, so did the coverage levels that were offered and this left many scrambling trying to read through the paperwork and make decisions based on their personal needs. For many elderly people this was, to say the least a near impossible task, and once those choices were made, that was it, and they were locked into those choices.

Many people may not be aware of this, but the time to make changes to your Medicare options is now. The window of opportunity to amend your initial choices is upon us, and the dates to make changes to your plan are for this year from November 15th until December 31st. If you need to make changes to your original choices then you have the option to do this, but only until midnight on December 31, 2008. After that you will be locked into your choices again for another year.

Most of you have been able to assess your coverage experiences and have more than likely learned more about your options and the choices of your friends. A proper assessment is important, however, because any coverage needs you may have that are not currently being met need to be addressed and changed if there are better options for you.

The intent of the Medicare program is to serve the needs of the senior population. Considering that many people have constantly changing healthcare issues, the program's yearly enrollment period is important to address. The time to make changes is now. Even if you've been happy with your coverage, you will be well served to revisit your program coverage to assure you're getting the best care you need.

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