Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: January 1 - March 31
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Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: January 1 - March 31 〰️
1-800-633-4227
Medicare is a Federal health insurance program, administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). While it helps with the cost of health care, Medicare does not cover all medical expenses nor does it cover the cost of most long-term care.
For more information about Medicare, visit the CMS website at http://www.cms.gov
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Part A: Hospital Services
Helps cover inpatient hospital and nursing home care, home health care, skilled nursing facility care and hospice. You must be at least age 65, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and you or your spouse must have paid into Social Security for at least 10 years. While Part A is free for most, you will have deductibles and coinsurance costs to cover.
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Part B: Physician & Outpatient Services
Helps cover doctor visits, lab tests, outpatient services and outpatient surgery, and some medical supplies. Eligibility is the same as Part A. Medicare charges a monthly premium for Part B that you must continue to pay, and you will have deductibles and coinsurance costs to cover. A late enrollment penalty may apply if you choose to enroll after your Initial Enrollment Period.
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Part C: Medicare Advantage Plans
A Medicare Advantage plan is not the same thing as a Medicare Supplement plan. Advantage plans cover everything that Medicare Part A and Part B do, as well as the expenses that Part A and Part B don’t. Medicare Advantage plans often include extra benefits. For example, Advantage MD includes prescription drugs, vision, hearing, dental and fitness programs. These plans are offered by private insurance companies contracted by Medicare. To enroll, you must have Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and live within the plan’s service area.
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Part D: Standalone Prescription Drug Plans
Helps cover some of your prescription drug costs. These plans are offered by private insurance companies who are contracted by Medicare — when you have Part D, you pay a second monthly premium in addition to Medicare. To enroll, you must be enrolled in Original Medicare and live within the plan’s service area. A late enrollment penalty may apply if you choose to enroll after your Initial Enrollment Period.
The State Health Insurance Program is a program that helps those on Medicare with personalized Medicare counseling, education, and access to financial assistance resources. SHIP offices help Medicare beneficiaries identify and understand programs and plans such as Medicare prescription drug coverage, Medicare Advantage Plans, and Medicare supplemental insurance policies. SHIP can also help Medicare beneficiaries enroll in these plans. The services you receive through SHIP offices are confidential and free.
Insurance is a complicated subject, and it's critical that you and your loved ones have the correct coverage in place to guarantee that you're fully protected. Lion Heart Medicare & Mortgage Protection, a Eastern Shore MD based insurance agency, can work with you to balance your individual needs and discover the proper policy. I can assist with medicare plans, traditional life insurance, final expense insurance, mortgage protection, and diverse health insurance plans. Call me immediately at (443) 467-2262 to discuss your needs. I'll walk you through your alternatives and assist you in finding the best insurance for you.
When to Consider enrolling in Medicare Advantage (Medigap) versus Original Medicare
Medicare Advantage Enrollment Periods
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
October 15 – December 7During this time, you can enroll, disenroll, or switch your Medicare coverage. Enrollments completed during this period will become effective January 1st of the following year.
Open Enrollment Period (OEP)
January 1 – March 31If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan as of January 1st, you can make a one-time change to enroll in another Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare and pick up a Prescription Drug Plan.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
April 1 – October 14
December 8 – December 31Also known as the “lock-in” period. This is the time outside of AEP or OEP, where changes can only be made if you are eligible for a special election. Common special elections include:
• Moving into a plan’s service area
• Leaving employer coverage
• Having Medicaid or Extra Help
• Enrolled in the State Prescription Drug Assistance Program
Medicaid
Medicaid Open Enrollment Nov. 1 - to Jan. 15
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Medicaid Open Enrollment Nov. 1 - to Jan. 15 〰️
New Rules for Medicaid Coming Soon: Checkin - marylandhealthconnection. Starting Jan. 1, 2027, the federal government is requiring new rules for some adults to keep Medicaid coverage. These include:
Show you are working or taking part in other activities (attending school or volunteering)
Renew your Medicaid coverage twice a year
How to Enroll in Medicaid
Call 1-855-642-8572. You can also visit a local health department, department of social services or a navigator near you.
Pregnant women are encouraged to apply at local health departments. Call the Medicaid helpline for pregnant women at 1-800-456-8900 for information.
Special Enrollment
If you have one of these life events, you have 60 days to enroll or change plans
Managed Care Organization: A healthcare delivery system that coordinates and manages healthcare services for its members.
Maryland Medicaid has nine HealthChoice MCOs you can choose from. View the MCO Comparison Chart to help you pick the best one for you.
Search the PROVIDER DIRECTORY to Find a Doctor, Hospital, or Other Healthcare Provider
ANYONE with FULL Medicaid benefits is automatically enrolled in dental coverage through Maryland Healthy Smiles.
For information on the Maryland Healthy Smiles Dental Program, call Member Customer Service at 1-855-934-9812.
Maryland Health Administration: Dental Related Information
Private Insurance
How to Enroll in a Private Plan
Don’t qualify for Medicaid? Check out this YouTube video: Where can I sign up for a Health Plan? -Advice from an expert.
Apply online at marylandhealthconnection.gov,
Apply over the phone 1-855-642-8572.
You can also visit a local health department, department of social services or a navigator near you (Like Chesapeake Health Care).