Here are some FAQS and resources for you to use to make the best choices for you during the 2011 Medicare Open Enrollment period, affecting your Medicare benefits in 2012.
You may want to begin with some basic information: Medicare 101 Here you can learn about the many Medicare parts. (Part A, Part B, Part C and Part D.) You may also want to learn more about the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans.
Medicare is the payer program that covers American citizens age 65 and older, and some who are younger who suffer from diseases such as end-stage renal failure. During Open Enrollment 2011, current Medicare recipients must elect the type of plan and benefits they wish to use, and the benefits they want to receive during 2012.
If they don't make a new choice, then they will default to whatever plan they were enrolled in during the previous year.
Medicare is administered by CMS, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Medicare 2012 Open Enrollment Calendar - Fall 2011
This year's enrollment calendar has shifted slightly, starting earlier, lasting longer, and ending earlier. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the shift should ensure that Medicare patients feel less rushed in their decision-making, and that everyone who enrolls on time will get their new identification cards before the payer year begins January 1.
Open Enrollment for Medicare's calendar year 2012 will begin October 15, 2011 and last seven weeks, until December 7, 2011.
During Open Enrollment, Medicare beneficiaries may choose Original Medicare or they may choose from among many Medicare Advantage Programs (MAP). Learn more about the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage programs.
What's New for Medicare and Open Enrollment in 2012?
Beginning January 1, 2012, Medicare patients will have access with no co-pay to many preventive screenings and services such as mammograms, cholesterol, cardiovascular and some mental health screenings. This new access is being implemented as a result of the Affordable Care Act (healthcare reform.)
Also a result of the Affordable Care Act, prices for drugs are being reduced to make them more affordable to patients. The "donut hole" gap in drug pricing is being reduced.
Beginning in Fall 2011, Medicare is offering a number of tools on its website for helping you make your Medicare plan choices. CMS has launched a new quality tool which can help you choose your Medicare Advantage Plan based on the quality of the healthcare it provided. Find the tool at: www.Medicare.gov
Costs for Coverage - Medicare 2012
According to CMS, the average cost for Medicare Advantage Programs across the country will go down by 4% for 2012. This is the second year MAP costs have gone down. Much of the reduction is due to the fact that the Affordable Care Act requires private insurers to increase the amount of their direct healthcare expenditures on their patients, decreasing the amount they may spend on administrative costs such as salaries and marketing.
