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The original item was published from 3/1/2022 9:15:29 AM to 3/2/2023 12:00:07 AM.
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Council on Aging
Posted on: March 1, 2022[ARCHIVED] Beneficiary Protections when Choosing Your Medicare Coverage
A Reminder from Your Cameron Senior Center: Beneficiary Protections when Choosing Your Medicare Coverage
If you should have any questions regarding choosing your Medicare Coverage just call the center at 978-692-5523 and we can connect you with our SHINE Counselor: Fred Baumert for virtual and/or in-person consultation.
Beneficiary Protections when choosing Your Medicare Coverage |
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The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment season runs from January 1st to March 31st each year. If you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan anytime between January 1st and March 31st of 2022, you are allowed to make a change to a new Medicare Advantage plan OR to drop your Medicare Advantage plan and switch to a stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. During this period, you may see a number of advertisements and marketing efforts highlighting the benefits that many of these plans offer. In fact, Massachusetts has several new plans being offered to Medicare beneficiaries in 2022. While many of these plans offer good coverage and many new benefits, it’s extremely important that Medicare beneficiaries know the right questions to ask before making any changes to their current coverage. Remember: - You should ask for confirmation that all of your doctors/medical providers accept any plan BEFORE you enroll.
- You should also ask for confirmation that all of your current prescription medications are covered by any plan(s) you are offered BEFORE you enroll.
- You should ask for confirmation that your hospital(s) of choice accept the plan you are considering BEFORE you enroll.
- You have the right to turn down any solicitations for Medicare enrollment information whether in person at your home or over the phone from individuals you do not know.
- You have the right to refuse to give your personal/Medicare information to anyone who asks if you are not sure of your decision to purchase insurance
- You are not obligated to provide the names of friends or family who may also be seeking Medicare enrollment assistance.
- You have the right to report any misleading marketing practices to the Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol at 800-892-0890
Certified SHINE counselors are available at Councils on Aging and ASAPs across the state, and are able to assist you in making the right Medicare coverage decisions for your personal situation. This service is free and available year-round. SHINE counselors will make sure you are able to compare ALL of the insurance options available to you, not just a select few. Counselors are available in person, by phone, or for a virtual appointment on the web, whichever you prefer. We encourage you to call Mass Options at 1-800-243-4636 to find a SHINE counselor near you. |
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