Tuesday is when Missouri Medicare patients can begin going shopping for the best deal on health insurance coverage. The Medicare open enrollment period is October 15th through December 7th.

Medicare is available to residents who are age 65 and older, or under 65 and receiving social security disability benefits.

Scott Miniea, executive director of the Missouri State Health Insurance Assistance Program (MO SHIP), said the insurance plans that Missourians can update are the Part D and Advantage plans.

“It’s the open enrollment period for the parts of Medicare that cover your drug prescriptions,” he told Missourinet. The other component that is open in terms of enrollment is the private plans, rather than the traditional Medicare, where you get your insurance directly from the government.”

The Missouri State Health Insurance Assistance Program offers free and unbiased advice to residents.

“Even if your current drug plan is working for you right now, there is not a guarantee necessarily that it will be that way in the new year. And so, this time of year, we always think of when the leaves change, and that’s when things change in your drug plans and your Medicare benefits,” he said. “The plans can differ if you’re in one county versus another county, that kind of thing. And so, we can basically customize the assistance we provide to your needs. And for some people, having a doctor or a hospital in network is really important. Your health changes, your conditions change, your medications change.”

Past data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services shows that 69% of Medicare beneficiaries did not compare their Medicare coverage with other Medicare options during the program’s open enrollment period. According to Miniea, not comparing plans could cost Medicare patients.

“At least in the 2022 open enrollment period, which is the only one we have data for, the money that was saved by the clients who came to the Missouri SHIP program, the savings were about $2,000 per client,” he said.

MO SHIP also helps Missourians with limited incomes determine whether they qualify for a Low-Income Subsidy and Medicare Savings Programs to offset the cost of their prescription drugs.

To set up an appointment for the free advice, click here or call the Missouri State Health Insurance Assistance Program at 1-800-390-3330.

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