Category: Medicare Part D

Maximizing Your Medicare Advantage: 5 Ways to Optimize AEP Decision-Making
The Annual Election Period (AEP) is a crucial time for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries to review and make changes to their healthcare coverage. AEP occurs annually from October 15th to December 7th, allowing beneficiaries the opportunity to assess their current Medicare Advantage plan and make adjustments if needed.

During AEP, Medicare Advantage beneficiaries have several options available to them:
- Switching Plans: Beneficiaries can change from their existing Medicare Advantage plan to a different one. This could involve transitioning to a plan with different coverage options, network providers, or prescription drug coverage. It’s essential to compare plans to ensure the new choice aligns with their healthcare needs.
- Enrolling in Medicare Advantage: Individuals who are eligible for Medicare but not currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan have the option to join one during the AEP. This is an opportunity for those who have Original Medicare to explore the benefits of Medicare Advantage, which often includes additional coverage like dental, vision, and prescription drugs.
- Returning to Original Medicare: If a Medicare Advantage beneficiary decides that they no longer want the additional benefits provided by their current plan, AEP allows them to switch back to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). They can also enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan if needed.
- Changing Prescription Drug Coverage: Beneficiaries can review and adjust their prescription drug coverage during AEP. This might involve switching to a different Medicare Advantage plan that offers better prescription drug coverage or enrolling in a separate Part D prescription drug plan if their current plan doesn’t adequately meet their medication needs.
- Reviewing Costs and Benefits: AEP is an ideal time for beneficiaries to assess their healthcare needs, budget, and any changes in their health status. Comparing plans’ costs, including premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, alongside the benefits they offer, can help individuals select a plan that provides the coverage they need at a price they can afford.
In summary, the Annual Election Period offers Medicare Advantage beneficiaries the chance to reevaluate their healthcare coverage and make necessary adjustments. Whether it’s switching plans, enrolling in Medicare Advantage for the first time, returning to Original Medicare, modifying prescription drug coverage, or simply reviewing costs and benefits, beneficiaries should take advantage of this period to ensure their healthcare plan aligns with their evolving needs. It’s advisable to research and compare available plans, considering factors such as coverage options, provider networks, costs, and additional benefits to make an informed decision that suits their individual circumstances.
September 21, 2023
A Breath of Fresh Coverage: Navigating New Medications with an Independent Insurance Agency

“Using his expertise, the advisor delved into researching insurance plans that would not only cover the new drugs but also enable Eve to maintain her relationship with her primary care provider.”

For years, Eve, a 71-year-old woman, had been managing a medical condition with the help of her primary care provider, a compassionate doctor in the town’s local clinic. Recently, this doctor prescribed two new drugs to enhance Eve’s treatment. However, her current Medicare Advantage plan didn’t offer adequate coverage for these crucial medications.

Eve cherished her visits to Dr. Reynolds, valuing the relationship they had built over time. As she faced the prospect of changing her medications and dealing with potential financial strain, Eve’s sense of frustration grew. Determined to find a solution that wouldn’t disrupt her healthcare routine, she began her search for alternatives.

One day, while attending a wellness seminar at the town’s community center, Eve struck up a conversation with a fellow attendee named Alex. Alex had gone through a similar situation and shared his success story about overcoming coverage challenges with the help of an independent insurance agency.

Intrigued and hopeful, Eve decided to visit the agency. Eve was greeted by an experienced insurance advisor who was committed to assisting her in navigating this intricate situation.

Across a cozy desk, the insurance advisor attentively listened to Eve’s concerns about her medications and her desire to continue receiving care from Dr. Reynolds. Using his expertise, the advisor delved into researching insurance plans that would not only cover the new drugs but also enable Eve to maintain her relationship with her primary care provider.

After a thorough analysis, the insurance advisor presented Eve with tailored insurance plan options. These options not only provided coverage for the medications but also ensured that Dr. Reynolds remained within the network. Over a cup of tea, the insurance advisor explained the benefits, costs, and seamless transition process associated with each plan. Eve was relieved to find a solution that aligned with her needs and values.

With a newfound sense of confidence, Eve selected an insurance plan that offered comprehensive coverage for her new medications while allowing her to continue seeing Dr. Reynolds. The insurance advisor guided her through the enrollment process, ensuring a smooth transition from her previous plan.

In the end, Eve’s journey exemplified the impact an independent insurance agency can have on an individual’s life. Through their commitment to personalized care and meticulous research, they not only resolved Eve’s insurance dilemma but also upheld her priorities – her health and her cherished relationship with her primary care provider, Dr. Reynolds.

September 5, 2023

How Does Medicare Determine My Premium?

Medicare Part A

Most people don’t have to pay a premium for Medicare Part A. If you’ve paid Medicare taxes, generally, at least 10 years, or you enrolled in Medicare before 65, you won’t pay a premium for Medicare Part A. Buying Medicare Part A is an option if you don’t qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A. Your Medicare Part A premium will be determined by how long you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes, you will pay either $278 or $506 as your monthly premium.

Medicare Part B

Your Medicare Part B premium is determined by your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). Your MAGI is calculated using your adjusted gross income and several other income sources. The majority of people won’t have to add additional sources of income, so their modified adjusted gross income is the same as their adjustable gross income. This is what is used to determine your monthly premium. Unless you are a high-income earner, you will pay the 2023 standard Medicare Part B premium – $164.50.

The chart below shows how the Medicare Part B monthly premium increases with your income.

If you fall into one of these higher income tiers, the Social Security Administration will send a letter explaining their justification for this higher premium.

If you have a special life event changes your income and puts you in a lower payment tier when it comes to your Medicare Part B premium. Contact the Social Security Administration to explain how this change affects your income.

Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans

Medicare Part D premiums are similar to Medicare Part B premiums in that the monthly premium can increase for those with higher incomes. The extra amount you pay is called an Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). Like Part B, you can let the Social Security Administration know if you’ve had a life-changing event that will change the income level used to determine your Medicare Part D.

Below, you can see the IRMAA you will pay in addition to your plan premium depending on your income:

If your filing status and yearly income in 2021 was
File individual tax return	File joint tax return	File married & separate tax return	You pay each month (in 2023)
$97,000 or less	$194,000 or less	$97,000 or less	your plan premium
above $97,000 up to $123,000	above $194,000 up to $246,000	not applicable	$12.20 + your plan premium
above $123,000 up to $153,000	above $246,000 up to $306,000	not applicable	$31.50 + your plan premium
above $153,000 up to $183,000	above $306,000 up to $366,000	not applicable	$50.70 + your plan premium
above $183,000 and less than $500,000	above $366,000 and less than $750,000	above $97,000 and less than $403,000	$70.00 + your plan premium
$500,000 or above	$750,000 or above	$403,000 or above	$76.40 + your plan premium

March 29, 2023

Things to Consider When Changing Medicare Coverage

Regardless of your coverage type, Medicare gives beneficiaries opportunities every year to change coverage to adjust to their ever-changing needs. The biggest time for changing Medicare coverage is the Annual Enrollment Period or AEP. Every year, from October 15th to December 7th, you can switch up your Medicare coverage and join, change, or drop your Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan. When you start thinking about wanting to change your coverage, there are a few things to consider.

Costs of Medicare Coverage

When changing your Medicare coverage, one of your main concerns may be “Will my costs change with my new Medicare plan?” Make sure to compare what you currently pay in premiums and deductibles, how much an unexpected hospital stay might be, or what you will pay out of pocket to what you are estimated to pay with any coverage you consider switching to.

Original Medicare has no out-of-pocket limits unless you have a Medicare Supplement. However, most Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans provide a yearly limit for out-of-pocket costs.

If you have an illness or medical problem that requires you to take a lot of prescription medication, it’s important to understand the costs of the prescriptions you take associated with your Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan. You will want to evaluate and compare formularies and Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan costs when choosing a new plan.

Other Coverage

It’s important to also look at how enrolling in or changing your Medicare coverage is how it may interact with any other coverage you may have, such as retiree insurance or employer-sponsored coverage.

Prescription Drug Coverage

For prescription drug coverage, it’s important to evaluate the plan’s star rating, formulary, and coverage rules. Make sure you compare it against your current Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan and ensure the medications you need are covered at a cost you can afford.

Hospital Choice, Doctors, and Travel

If you choose a Medicare Advantage plan, the network of doctors and hospitals that accept your plan is a very important thing to consider. This can affect the quality and timing of the care you receive. It’s also important to look at if doctors in a new plan are accepting new patients (if

If you are enrolled in a Medicare Supplement alongside Orignal Medicare, you can see any provider that accepts Medicare. Care received when traveling outside the United States is not covered by Original Medicare. If you travel abroad, you may want to consider a Medicare Supplement that covers emergency care when abroad. You also may want to consider a Medicare Supplement if you travel in the US, as you can see all providers who take Medicare and are not restricted to a network.

Whether you are looking to change your Medicare plan to find coverage that will best fit your needs, or you are looking to review your current plan, Seniorstar group can help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation coverage review.

March 16, 2023
What is the Medicare Donut Hole?
What is the Medicare Part D Donut Hole?

The term “donut hole” often refers to the coverage gap within Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans. If you’re new to Medicare, you might not be familiar with this term.

The donut hole, in short, refers to where a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan reaches its limit on what it covers for prescription drugs. In a calendar year, you reach this coverage gap once your Medicare Part D plan has spent a certain amount on prescription drugs. In 2023, this amount will be $4,660.

Not everyone enters the donut hole, and beneficiaries with Extra Help will never enter the donut hole.

What will happen if I reach the “donut hole?”

Once you have reached the “donut hole” coverage gap, your out-of-pocket costs for brand name and generic drugs covered in your Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plan will change. Details of those changes are listed below:
- For Generic Prescription Drugs
  - You will pay 25% of the price; Medicare will pay 75%
  - Only the costs you pay count to get you out of the “donut hole.”
- For Brand-Name Prescription Drugs
  - You will pay at most 25% of the cost of the drug and 25% of the dispensing fee.
  - If you buy your prescriptions via pharmacy or mail, you will pay a discounted price
  - Both what you pay and what the drug manufacturer pays (95%) count towards getting you out of the donut hole.
Note: Depending on your plan, you may have coverage in the “donut hole.” If so, you will get a discount once your coverage has been applied to the prescription drug’s price.

Will the “donut hole” go away?

Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans have fourth payment stages, and the “donut hole” is the third. You move through the four stages based on how much you, your plan, and anyone on your behalf have paid for your prescription drugs throughout the year.

How do I leave the “donut hole?”

Your out-of-pocket costs must reach $6,550 to leave the “donut hole.” After the “donut hole,” you enter the fourth stage – catastrophic coverage. In this stage, your Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plan covers the majority of the cost of your drugs. You will remain in this stage for the rest of the year.

Costs that count towards the dollar limits include:
- Copays and coinsurance
- Your deductible
- What your plan pays during the initial coverage stage
- Manufacturers’ discounts provided in the coverage gap stage
- Amounts paid on your behalf, such as those through a financial assistance program – at any stage
Coverage Gap Tips

It is best to avoid entering the “donut hole” if possible. However, for those who do, navigating it wisely can help a beneficiary get the most from a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plan. Here are some tips to help you mitigate prescription drug costs, even if you never enter the “donut hole.”

Tip 1: Estimate your annual prescription drug costs ahead of time. This can help you plan and prepare to pay for your prescription drugs if you are likely to enter the “donut hole.”

Tip 2: Discuss lower-cost drug alternatives with your providers and pharmacists.

Tip 3: Look for options where you may be able to get your prescription drugs for discounted costs.

Tip 4: When possible, opt for generic drugs instead of brand-name.

Tip 5: Make sure you are using an in-network pharmacy.

Understanding the coverage stages of Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans can make everything seem less overwhelming. If you have questions or want a no-cost, no-obligation coverage review, reach out to Seniorstar Insurance Group today!
February 2, 2023
What Does Original Medicare Cost in 2023?

2023 Medicare Part A and B Deductibles, Premiums, and Medicare Part D Income-Related Monthly Adjustments Amounts

In late 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) delivered the dollar amounts for the 2023 Original Medicare Part A & Part B co-insurance, premiums, and deductibles. This article will give you what you need to know about these amounts, how these amounts are calculated, and how these amounts affect Medicare beneficiaries.

Medicare Part B: Premium and Deductible Information and Amounts

Original Medicare Part B is the part of Medicare that covers outpatient hospital services, physician services, some home health services, medical equipment, and other services not covered by Medicare Part A. The prices of the deductibles, coinsurance rates, and premiums for Medicare Part B are settled by the Social Security Act. For 2023, the standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees is $164.90. All Medicare Part B beneficiaries will also pay $226 for 2023’s annual deductible. These costs are lower than in 2022, primarily because of a larger reserve in the Medicare Part B sliver of the Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund. There is also a small stipulation for Medicare enrollees that are 36 months post kidney transplant, making them no longer eligible for full Medicare coverage. Starting this year, they can pay a premium of $97.10 for coverage of immunosuppressive drugs.

Medicare Part B: Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts

The Medicare Part B monthly premium each beneficiary pays is based on their income. The standard price of $164.90 for 2023 is the price most beneficiaries will pay. Depending on their adjusted gross income, the premium may increase as shown in the chart below.

The same levels of adjusted gross income affect the premium the 36-month-out kidney transplant beneficiaries pay for their immunosuppressive drug coverage. The amounts are shown in the chart below.

How you file your yearly tax returns can affect these prices as well. Below are two charts respectively showing the two different Medicare Part B premiums discussed above for married beneficiaries who lived with their spouse for any period during the last year but filed a separate tax return.

Medicare Part A Deductibles and Premiums

Original Medicare Part A is the part of Medicare that covers skilled nursing facilities, inpatient hospital stays, hospice, inpatient rehabilitation, and several home healthcare services. Beneficiaries with at least 40 quarters of Medicare-covered employment don’t have to pay an Original Medicare Part A premium which amounts to around 99% of all beneficiaries.

In 2023, the inpatient hospital deductible that Original Medicare Part A beneficiaries will pay if admitted will be $1,600. This deductible covers the beneficiary’s costs for the first 60 days of inpatient hospital care in a benefit period. If any more inpatient hospitalization is necessary in a benefit period, the beneficiary is required to pay a coinsurance amount per day. For days 61-90, the beneficiary will pay a coinsurance amount of $400 per day. If the beneficiary uses any of their lifetime reserve days, they will pay $800 daily. In skilled nursing facilities, days 21-100 of extended care services in a benefit period will require beneficiaries to pay a $200 daily co-insurance.

A monthly premium for Original Medicare Part A is required to enroll in Original Medicare Part A under certain circumstances voluntarily. These circumstances include being age 65 and over and having fewer than 40 quarters of coverage, and certain people with disabilities. If an individual had fewer than 30 quarters of coverage or was married to someone with at least 30 quarters of coverage, they may buy into Medicare Part at a discounted monthly premium rate. This discounted rate in 2023 is $278 per month. Some uninsured aged persons who have less than 30 quarters of coverage will pay the entire premium, which is $506 a month in 2023. If certain individuals with disabilities have drained other entitlement, they will also pay this premium for Medicare Part A.

Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts

Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan premiums depend vary based on the individual plan, but there are income-based adjustments for beneficiaries with a higher income. The income-related monthly adjustment amounts can follow these same payment routes. These amounts are as follows:

Again, just like Original Medicare Part B, tax returns affect these amounts. Individuals who are married and lived with their spouse for any period of the taxable year but file a separate return will pay different amounts, which are listed below:

Medicare Savings Programs

These deductibles and premiums can add up for extensive hospitalization, specialized care, nursing facilities, etc. For low-income beneficiaries or those on a fixed income, this can be extremely frustrating and difficult to handle financially. However, there is help in the way of the Medicare Savings Programs for some of these individuals. These programs can help reduce the costs of the high-quality care a beneficiary may need. They help pay Medicare premiums and possibly cover co-insurance, deductibles, and co-payments for those who meet eligibility.

For any additional information on Original Medicare Part A & Part B or Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan premiums, co-insurance, co-payments, deductibles, or Medicare Savings Programs, contact Seniorstar Insurance Group at 844.779.5010.

Medicare Savings Programs List

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January 10, 2023
Things Medicare Beneficiaries Should Do After the Annual Election Period (AEP)

Things Medicare Beneficiaries Should Do After the Annual Election Period (AEP)

During the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period or AEP, you can change your Medicare coverage to adjust to your ever-changing coverage needs. You can change your Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan to a new Medicare Advantage plan, end your Medicare Advantage plan and reenroll in Original Medicare, and change your Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plan.

When the Annual Election Period (AEP) ends on December 7th, there are still some things Medicare beneficiaries should take the time to consider. Here are some key things Medicare beneficiaries should do after the end of the Annual Election Period (AEP).

Look Into Your Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plan and Decide if Changes are Needed

If you are one of the millions of Americans who enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan during Annual Election Period (AEP), and you conclude that it doesn’t fit all your needs, don’t worry! The Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP) begins on January 1st and ends March 31^st. During Open Enrollment Period (OEP), beneficiaries can swap to a different Medicare Advantage Plan.

It is important during the Open Enrollment Period (OEP) that you review your plan’s costs & benefits for the upcoming year and ensure that your Medicare Advantage plan meets your medical and financial needs.

It is important that you review your plan’s out-of-pocket costs & check to see if your doctors accept your new Medicare Advantage Plan. If there are any issues or you feel that this plan will not meet your needs or budget for the upcoming year, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with a licensed insurance agent, like the team at Seniorstar Insurance Group. An agent can help you find and enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that meets your needs. After reviewing everything, if you decide you don’t want to be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch back to Original Medicare and enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan during the Open Enrollment Period (OEP).

Review the costs of your Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan

Prescription drugs can become costly without the correct insurance plan to cover them. If you enrolled in a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan during the Annual Enrollment Period, take the time to check the coverage to ensure all your medications are covered by your plan. If this isn’t the case, and you find holes in your coverage, you can sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan or a different Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan during the Open Enrollment Period. If you are someone who needs over-the-counter medications, it is important to note over-the-counter drugs aren’t covered by Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans or Original Medicare. However, some Medicare Advantage plans offer over-the-counter benefits.

Filing Appeals

Filing an appeal with the help of your agent can also be a good way to mitigate unwanted drug costs but be sure to check with your provider to see if an alternative drug might fit better with your coverage.

If you do choose to file an appeal, there are a few things you should know. First, you should get a coverage determination document from your Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan. This document will allow you to see if a certain drug is covered, the costs associated with the drug, the qualifying factors you must meet to get the drug, and if your plan will make an exception. If your doctor decides to give you a drug that isn’t on your plan’s formulary or an alternative drug doesn’t work in place of the drug you think you need, ask for an exception from your Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan. Once you ask for the exception, your Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan will make a decision on the exception. When you view this decision, if you don’t agree with it, you can then file an appeal with Medicare.

There are five different places your appeal can reach once you file. The first is your Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan. They will look at your appeal again and send another decision. If you disagree with this second decision, you can send the appeal to a third party. Then, the Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals will handle all disagreements with third-party issued decisions and deliver their own decision. If this decision is inadequate for you, or they don’t respond quickly, you are able to send the appeal up to the Medicare Appeals Council. They will review the appeal and make a final decision unless your appeal meets a high enough dollar threshold, in which case this appeal will be sent to the Federal district court for judicial review.

Review Medicare Supplement Plans

If you were deciding on coverage with a licensed agent during the Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP), they may have suggested a Medicare Supplement plan that can help you cover the costs of Original Medicare. You cannot have both a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medicare Supplement simultaneously, so you must choose between the two. However, after the AEP, during the Open Enrollment Period (OEP), you can choose to cancel your Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare and enroll in a Medicare Supplement. Whether or not this is a good option for you depends on the costs associated with each plan, such as copays or doctors not accepting your plan. Medicare Supplements are more equipped to cover things related to out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare, such as copays & coinsurance but sometimes have a higher premium or underwriting. In general, Medicare Advantage plans can be a good option for those with fixed incomes or needing a lower monthly premium. It is important that you learn more about your Medicare Advantage plan after the Annual Election Period (AEP) so you know if you need to review or change anything.

In addition to ensuring your Medicare coverage will meet your needs in the new year, after the Annual Election Period (AEP) can be a great time to review additional insurance products such as life insurance, final expense, or ancillary products. If you are interested in learning more about your options, or more about how to know if your Medicare plan meets your needs, contact Seniorstar Insurance Group today at 732 658 5100.

December 21, 2022
The Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP) – Explained
The Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP) – Explained

Commonly referred to as AEP, the Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP) is the time each year when you can change your Medicare coverage if you choose. The Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP) lasts from October 15 to December 7 every year, with plan changes going into effect on January 1 of the new year.

Changes You Can Make to Your Coverage During AEP

Depending on your coverage, you can make various changes during the Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP). Here are some tips based on the coverage you are currently enrolled in:

I am Enrolled in…

Original Medicare Parts A & B

If you are currently enrolled in just Original Medicare Parts A & B, you can do the following during the Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP):
- Join a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan with built-in drug coverage.
- Join a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan without built-in drug coverage. Note: You may be charged a penalty if you do not have other creditable drug coverage
- Join a stand-alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan. Note: You may also be charged a penalty if you are not currently enrolled in creditable drug coverage.
You also have the option to make no changes; your coverage will remain as-is.

Original Medicare Parts A & B with a Stand-Alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan

Suppose you are enrolled in Original Medicare Parts A & B with a Stand-Alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan. In that case, you can do the following during the Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP):
- Join a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan with built-in drug coverage.
- Join a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan without built-in drug coverage.
- Enroll in a new Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan and change your coverage from your existing plan
- Drop Medicare Part D Prescription Drug coverage altogether. Note: If you decide to enroll in drug coverage in the future, you may be charged a penalty.
You also have the option to make no changes; your coverage will remain as-is.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) with a Stand-Alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan

If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan with a stand-alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan, you can do the following during the Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP):
- Enroll in a different Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan with built-in drug coverage.
- Enroll in a different Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan without built-in drug coverage.
- Enroll in a new Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan and change your coverage from your existing plan
- Drop Medicare Part D Prescription Drug coverage altogether. Note: If you decide to enroll in drug coverage in the future, you may be charged a penalty.
- Leave your current Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan and return to Original Medicare.
You also can make no changes, and your coverage will remain as-is.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) with Built-in Drug Coverage

If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan with built-in drug coverage, you can do the following during the Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP):
- Enroll in a different Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan with built-in drug coverage.
- Enroll in a different Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan without built-in drug coverage.
- Enroll in a stand-alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan if you enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan that does not include drug coverage or if you go back to Original Medicare Parts A & B.
- Drop Medicare Part D Prescription Drug coverage altogether. Note: If you decide to enroll in drug coverage in the future, you may be charged a penalty.
- Leave your Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan and return to Original Medicare.
You also have the option to make no changes; your coverage will remain as-is.

Review Your Coverage with a Licensed Agent

The Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP) is a great time to review your current coverage and ensure that you are enrolled in the Medicare coverage that meets your needs – medically and financially. At Seniorstar, we offer no-cost, no-obligation coverage reviews. We will help you evaluate your Medicare options, including Original Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans, and Medicare Supplements (Medigap).

Click here to schedule an appointment, or call 732 658 5100
October 14, 2022