Open Enrollment can be extremely confusing, especially for seniors. There are special dates, plans A, B, J……all the way up to M, plus ancillary products such as dental and vision?!?

How to do people 65 and over find peace of mind in knowing they have the right plan and coverage for the new year? The best way is to get that appointment set with your insurance agent to go over your plans and your needs for 2021.  Even before you go in to speak with your agent there are some very simple items every senior should know in 2020 to help them plan for 2021.

Below is a list Mark Dupre, a 36-year seasoned insurance broker has selected as the top things you need to know for open enrollment. These are the questions he is asked the most before open enrollment even begins.

Hope this helps answer some key questions and you can check out the video explaining additional details on our YouTube channel.

1. Dates! 
   Open enrollment for seniors ages 65+ starts on October 15, 2020, and ends on December 7, 2020, for benefits that will start on January 1, 2021. Put these dates on your calendar!!!

    

2. What Plans Are Available to YOU?
   During open enrollment, you will be able to change or enroll in your Medicare Advantage Plan also known as your MAPD. Other than open enrollment, these plans can only be purchased outside of the open enrollment period 3 months prior to an individual’s 65th birthday.

    

3.  Prescription Drug Plans
   If you do not have a drug plan included with your Medicare Plan, open enrollment is the time to make sure the life-saving medications you take on a regular basis are covered and your out-of-pocket is as low as it can go.

    

4. Medicare Supplement Plans
   Did you know that Medicare Supplement plans can be changed and purchased anytime during the year? These types of plans are to cover the costs your Medicare Part A and B do not cover and are available for purchase outside of the open enrollment period.

    

5. Dental/Vision Plans
   There is a wide array of dental and vision plans that fit the needs and budgets of many seniors. As we age so do our teeth and eyes and during these years is when we will need the benefits more than ever. Most plans are very cost-effective and will save you so much in the long run.

Whether you love your Blue Cross Blue Shield plan or hate the current one you have Cutting through the clutter and ensuring you have the right insurance is the mission of every insurance agent. If you haven’t scheduled an appointment make sure you do so today and have a licensed agent go over your benefits so you are all set for 2021. If you need an insurance agent schedule an appointment with an MLD agent today!

Happy OPEN ENROLLMENT everyone!