Medicare Open Enrollment Season and Eligibility Calculator

Open Enrollment for Medicare began Wednesday, Oct. 15 and continues through Sunday, Dec.  7. Do you know if you are eligible for Medicare? The federal government offers a free eligibility calculator at Medicare.Gov.

Using two quick questions about your birthday and work history, the eligibility calculator can help determine if you qualify for Medicare, a federal health insurance program for those who are 65 or older.

Keep in mind, you may qualify if you’re younger than 65 and have disabilities or have end-stage Renal Disease, which is permanent kidney failure that requires dialysis or a transplant.

What is a Medicare Advantage Plan?

“A Medicare Advantage Plan is a type of Medicare health plan offered by a private company that contracts with Medicare to provide you with all your Part A and Part B benefits,” according to Medicare.gov.

What are the different types of Medicare Advantage Plans?

There are a variety of health plans that offer Medicare Advantage Plans, including:

Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs).

Preferred Provider Organizations.

Private Fee-for-Service Plans.

Special Needs Plans.

Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans.

“When making your 2015 selection, you should know whether that plan includes access to Baptist Health facilities in three counties, with world-class, Board-certified physicians who provide comprehensive, high-quality medical care,” said Eric Shatanof, corporate vice president of managed care at Baptist Health.

Important Dates:

Oct. 15- Dec. 7, 2014: Medicare beneficiaries may enroll in or change their enrollment in a Medicare Advantage plan, Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or other Medicare health plan during the Annual Election Period. The Medicare beneficiary’s plan selection is valid for the following calendar year (2015).  For most people this is the only time to join or switch Medicare plans (Medicare Advantage or Part D plans).

December 8: Enrollment closed.

January 1, 2015: New coverage begins if you made a change.

To Learn More:

More information about enrollment procedures for the 2015 benefit year is available from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services by contacting Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 or visiting Medicare.gov.  You also can contact your current Medicare Advantage plan, or the Medicare Advantage plan you think you may want to enroll in, for more information.

To learn more about medical plans that include Baptist Health, Baptist Health Medical Group and physicians who participate in the Baptist Health Quality Network, call 786-662-7667 or visit BaptistHealth.net/InsurancePlans.

Tags: family medicine