Medicare Advantage Plan Checklist
The Medicare Open Enrollment Period is happening soon.
This 5-step checklist can help you prepare, even if you plan on keeping your current Medicare Advantage Plan.
Step #1: Check enrollment dates
The Medicare Open Enrollment Period starts on October 15, 2024 and ends on December 7, 2024.
The plan changes you make during this enrollment period will go into effect in January 2025.
Step #2: Learn about Medicare plan options
During the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, you can make several Medicare plan changes including:
- Changing from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan.
- Changing from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare.
- Switching from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan.
- Enrolling in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Medicare Part D).
- Switching from one Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to another Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
- Disenrolling from a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
Step #3: Review your plan documents
If you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you should review your plan documents, such as the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC).
This document explains any plan changes that may go into effect next year, such as changes in benefits, service areas or costs.
Your insurance provider should send this document before the Medicare Open Enrollment Period begins. Once you review the document, you can decide if you want to keep your current plan or switch to another Medicare plan.
Step #4: Choose plan benefits
Your next step is deciding which plan benefits and features you need and want.
When comparing more than one plan, you can ask yourself the following questions:
- What benefits do I need?
- Does the plan offer any additional benefits?
- Are my medications covered?
- Is my preferred doctor in network?
- Can I use out-of-network doctors and facilities?
- Can I afford the premiums?
Step #5: Compare plan options
Your final step is to compare your plan options.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem) offers several types of Medicare Advantage Plans, including HMO plans, PPO plans and Special Needs Plans.
Your plan benefits and network rules will vary depending on your location and the plan you choose.
Low-cost plans and $0 premium plans may be available in your area.2
You can find and compare your Anthem Medicare Advantage Plan options today by filling out the form below or by calling a licensed agent at 1-866-870-3072, TTY 711, 24/7.