North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey is reminding Medicare beneficiaries to compare and evaluate their current plans and make necessary changes during the annual open enrollment period.

“Medicare plans and prices change,” said Causey. “It is important for Medicare beneficiaries to take advantage of the Open Enrollment Period by contacting local Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) counselors to save money, improve your coverage or both.”

The open enrollment period begins on Oct. 15 and runs for eight weeks. Changes must be made by Dec. 7 to guarantee coverage will begin without interruption on Jan. 1, 2024.

“It is important to contact your local SHIIP counselor before deciding about coverage because you may be able to receive more affordable and better Medicare health and/or drug plan options in your area,” stated a news release from the North Carolina Department of Insurance. “For example, even if you are satisfied with your current Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, there may be another plan in your area that covers your health care and/or drugs at a better price.

“SHIIP is a division of the North Carolina Department of Insurance and offers free, unbiased information about Medicare, Medicare prescription drug coverage, Medicare Advantage, long-term care insurance and other health insurance issues,” the release continued. “SHIIP counselors can also help people find out if they are eligible for Medicare cost savings programs.”

Get one-on-one help from SHIIP by calling 1-855-408-1212, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit medicare.gov/find-a-plan to compare current coverage with all the options that are available in the area and enroll in a new plan if making a change.

Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24-hours a day, seven days a week, to find out more about coverage options. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.

Additionally, it is advised to contact a trusted licensed insurance agent.

SHIIP counselors are not licensed insurance agents, and they do not sell, endorse, or oppose any product, plan or company. Those who have questions about specific plans should contact their insurance agent or the insurance company.

For more information about SHIIP and the Medicare open enrollment period, call 1-855-408-1212 or visit ncshiip.com.

READ ABOUT MORE NEWS HERE.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE COASTLAND TIMES TODAY!