FAQ's

a. What is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?

Medicare health and drug plans can make changes each year—things like cost, coverage, and what providers and pharmacies are in their networks. October 15 to December 7 is when all people with Medicare can change their Medicare health plans and prescription drug coverage for the following year to better meet their needs.

b. When is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?

Every year, Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period is October 15 - December 7.

If you're enrolled in a Medicare Plan, your plan will send you an "Evidence of Coverage" (EOC) each year, usually in the Fall, around September. The EOC gives you details about what your plan covers, how much you pay, and more. It’s recommended a recipient review any changes to ensure the plan will continue to meet your needs for the upcoming year.

The Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) is a notice you receive from your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan in late September. The ANOC gives a summary of any changes in the plan’s costs and coverage that will take effect January 1 of the following year. Review this notice to see if your plan will continue to meet your health care needs in the following year.

We recommend that anyone in a Medicare health or prescription drug plan to always review the materials they receive about their plan, like the “Evidence of Coverage” (EOC) or their “Annual Notice of Change” (ANOC). If your coverage is changing, you’ll need to make sure your plan(s) will still meet your needs for the following year. If you’re unsure or have questions or concerns, please reach out to a Madison Insurance Group Senior Benefits team member for a no-cost assessment.

If a Madison Insurance Group Senior Benefits team member is helping you assess your options, we will be happy to help you find a doctor or a facility who accepts Medicare and the one that best suits your circumstances. The government also provides a link on their website that will allow you to search by zip code.

Medicare and most health insurance plans don't pay for long-term care. Non-skilled personal care, like help with activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, eating, getting in or out of a bed or chair, moving around, and using the bathroom. Other items and services Original Medicare DOES NOT cover include:

• Long-Term Care (also called custodial care)
• Most dental care
• Eye exams (for prescription glasses)
• Dentures
• Cosmetic surgery  
• Massage therapy
• Hearing aids and exams for fitting them
• Concierge care (also called concierge medicine, retainer-based medicine, boutique medicine, platinum practice, or direct care)
• Covered items or services you get from an opt-out doctor or other provider (except in the case of an emergency or urgent need)