Next week ( October 15), open enrollment for Medicare begins once again. It will remain open until December 7. During that time, you have the opportunity to review any and all new plans on the market in your zip code and to assess the plan you are currently on to see if it still fits your lifestyle.
This is important! Most plans rely on you not changing. They want to lull you into complacency, a sense that every plan is the same. Nothing could be further from the truth! I was on Complete Health and switched to Viva, and the benefits are night and day different. Spend a few minutes reviewing the new offerings. It might save you thousands of dollars in the coming year! If you are on Complete Health, for example, UAB services are not covered; at least in 2026, they weren’t. Given that UAB is the largest healthcare provider in the state, I consider that to be a gaping hole in benefits.
Some changes that have been implemented under the Trump administration for 2027 are:
- In the first minute of any sales call by a Medicare agent or broker, they are no longer required to state that they do not offer ALL plans that might be available to you. This customer protection was implemented under the Biden administration but was removed under Trump;
- Even if the customer asks, the agent or broker no longer must disclose that you can contact your state’s Health Insurance Assistance Program to learn about coverage NOT offered by the agent or broker. This is a free service, available to everyone. This protection was also implemented under Biden and removed under Trump;
Some words of wisdom from AARP:
- Before talking with any agent, visit Medicare.gov to review ALL Medicare Advantage plans available to you;
- Take note of each plan’s ratings from 1 to 5, and only consider ones rated 4 or 5;
- Talk to your local SHIP counselor, which is free and unbiased advice;
- Contact AARP.org/Medicare to get their input.
Remember, once you make a decision, you are stuck with it for an entire year, so make a wise, informed decision. Consumer protection is now at its lowest point in decades, so be careful!
If you or a loved one needs assistance with Asset Protection in Pelham, AL, contact The Alabama Elder Care Law Firm, LLC, today at (205) 390-0101