By Jan Cammack, GHB Insurance Agent

Autumn is here and with the changing color of the leaves comes the time when you can make changes in your Medicare Advantage Plan or Prescription Drug Plan for 2017.   The Annual Election Period for Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug plans begins October 15, 2016 and ends December 7, 2016.

If you have not already received it, you will soon be receiving an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) from your Medicare Advantage plan or your Prescription Drug plan explaining the changes for 2017.  Be sure to read it carefully.  If you have questions please give me a call.

Part D Prescription Drug   plans have modified some benefits and premiums for 2017. Please refer to the ANOC for more details specific to your plan.  Also it is a good idea to check the drug formulary to make sure your prescriptions are still covered by your plan.  If your Prescription Drugs have changed and if your costs have increased, we can shop to see if there is a better plan to fit your needs.

Part C Medicare Advantage medical plans have also modified some benefits and premiums for 2017.  The ANOC will have information about these as well.  Some Medicare Advantage plans are leaving the area, opening up an opportunity for their clients to move to a different plan.  If you are affected, you will receive a letter informing you of their departure.  Please give me a call to discuss your options.

Medicare Supplement plans do not have an Annual Enrollment Period and the benefits are not changing.  Medicare Supplement Plans adjust premiums after January, many around April.  Watch for notifications from your Plan and if at that time you want to look at other Medicare Supplement plans please give us a call.  NOTE: if you want to move to a Medicare Advantage plan you must do that between October 15, 2016 and December 7, 2016.

If you have a drug plan (Part D) together with your Medicare Supplement plan the drug plan is part of the Open Enrollment Period October 15^th to December 7^th.

Keep in mind, if you are happy with your current plan and want to keep it you do not need to do anything and it will automatically renew.

If your plan offers additional benefits, such as dental, now is the time to add or remove them from the plan.  Also, many plans used to feature Silver Sneakers fitness benefit.  They are now changing to Silver and Fit.  Please check to make sure your gym is still covered under this program.

If you would like to schedule an appointment please call early to avoid the rush.  I am available for appointments beginning October 15^th through December 7^th.  Just call (360) 943-4500.