For those who are 65 and older or disabled and on Medicare your favorite time of year is fast approaching. Your AEP or Annual Election Period is just around the corner. This is the 54 day windowknown as the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period in which Medicare recipients can make changes to their Medicare Advantage Plan that will be in effect from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014..
This is the dreaded window of confusion that fuels anxiety in many people for the entire year. Multitudes wrestle with concerns of making a wrong decision or missing out on changes that can affect their health care and bottom line for the entire year. This year brings with it extra nighttime sweats because of all the rumors and confusion over the anticipated changes due to The Affordable Care Act, colloquially known as Obamacare.
Having worked in the industry for the past six years, I can tell you that no one has had more concern or anticipation over the revelations about to unfold than those of us close to the heart of the beast. However, from what we have seen in the certification process thus far, much of the hype over 2014 has been just that.
I cannot tell you specifics at this time because they have not yet been released, however I don’t believe it is going to be a life changing experience for most people. My suggestion is that you seek out someone who can lay out the changes and help you recognize the shifting taking place within the various providers’ plans. Only then can you confidently make an educated decision for the coming 2014 year.
I believe the best person to be able to give you an objective overview and specific answers is a Medicare Broker who represents a broad section of the plans available in your local area. Remember, Medicare Advantage Plans are county specific and there are important changes to many of the Advantage Plans you will want to consider. If you attend company specific meetings or meet with sales agents from the various insurance plans they can only share their specific programs with you. It is uncanny how their plan seems to be the best answer no matter what your circumstances require.
Just a side note, I enter the ranks of the Medicare recipients in August of this year allowing me the privilege of sorting through the seemingly endless advertisements in my mail box. So from one Medicare sojourner to another, I leave you with this parting salutation; a hearty good luck, God Bless and get qualified help.
If you have a question about Medicare AEP just drop me an email at ron@writtenfyi.com and I will try to answer your question quickly and personally.
I would love to here from you with comments.
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