A recent
press release by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) contained good news for patients with Medicare Advantage plans: lower premiums, no copays or deductibles for preventive services, and an extended open enrollment period.
In 2012, Medicare Advantage plan premiums are expected to decrease by an average of 4 percent. Plan holders also will have access to Medicare-covered preventive services, including an annual wellness visit, without copays or deductibles.
In order to give beneficiaries more time to review their coverage and make any necessary changes, Medicare’s annual open enrollment for 2012 is being extended by seven weeks. Open enrollment will begin Oct. 15, 2011, and end on Dec. 7, 2011. The longer enrollment period will help ensure patients have their membership cards in hand and have access to uninterrupted medical care come the new year.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will be sending out 2012
Medicare and You handbooks, and a notice outlining any changes from 2011 to 2012, to all Medicare beneficiaries by late September.
All Medicare Advantage plan recipients will need to enroll in a Part D plan to keep their prescription drug coverage.
Those currently enrolled in Medicare Advantage who do not choose a plan for 2012 will automatically be enrolled in traditional Medicare.
According to HHS, only 1 percent of Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in plans that will no longer be available in 2012. Those beneficiaries will soon receive a notice of non-renewal from their plan.
For more information, go to
CMS’ website.