The Five W’s of Healthcare Enrollment Season
By Dave Trout
As we come into the fall, here are some important details for our Medicare and Marketplace friends.
WHEN:
Starting this week for Medicare Open Enrollment:
• Annual Notice of Change - “ANOC’s”
• October 1- 14: “Window Shopping” for Medicare Advantage and RX plans for 2025. (Review your options.)
• October 15: Shop for a 2025 Advantage or Rx Plan (October 15-December 7).
• Review your Medigap plan or change to a Medicare Advantage plan.
• Starting November 1st for ACA/Marketplace Plans
• November 1 – December 15: Open Enrollment for ACA/ Marketplace plans for a January 1, 2025 effective date.
WHY?
• We are seeing big changes in Medicare Rx coverage. For RX prescriptions - $ 2,000 annual maximum out of pocket and option to pay that big deductible over 12 months.
• More and better Advantage plans : Special plans for heart and diabetic folks. Giveback of Part B Premium.
• New Medigap (Supplement) options.
• For those under 65 - Medicaid expansion in NC and options if you are on group insurance plans.
WHAT is most important to YOU?
• Your doctors in network?
• Increasing insurance premiums?
• Defined costs for medical services?
• Annual out of pocket expenses ?
• Dental? Hearing? Vision?
• Support to navigate the healthcare system?
• Premium subsidy if on a Marketplace plan?
WHERE to find answers to your questions.
• NC SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Programs).
• Work with licensed independent agents or brokers.
We are trained and certified by CMS as well as each insurance company. As fiduciaries, we are required to guide you to the most suitable plan to meet your needs.
And – we are Experienced .
I’m 25 years as an agent. Wrote my first Medicare plan in 1999. Was present for the rollout of Medicare RX in 2005 with the infamous doughnut hole. I have seen ObamaCare from day one. I have known Medicare from the inside out since 2018. Most Importantly, I have worked with thousands of folks over all these many years.
WHO:
It is ALL about YOU. YOUR Needs, Budget and Values. And the coverage that best suits YOU. For today, next year and all the years and changes to follow. You.
Trout Insurance
29 N Main St, Weaverville, NC
828-658-1472
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