Your Insurance … with Michele Campbell – Prepare for the changes coming to Medicare Advantage Plans in 2019

Published in the October 3 – 16, 2018 issue of Gilroy Life

For residents across the state — or locally here in Gilroy— open enrollment is just around the corner, and will be here before we know it. As agents, we have been diligently prepping for 2019, attending certification meetings and learning about all the changes coming to the plans. The good news: most plans are enhancing their benefits, making their plans more competitive. That’s definitely good news for Gilroyans.

I’m referring to the Medicare Advantage plans in particular. There are several network changes with the plans. We are very excited about the upcoming changes and hope you will be, too.

We want to make sure we understand all of the questions and concerns that Gilroy residents may have about this important and sometimes anxious time of year. Whether your questions are basic, complicated or delightfully philosophical, we want to hear about them, so we can help put your mind at ease. Please email ([email protected]) or call our office (408-848-2271) and get that nagging question off your mind today.

And while Gilroy residents may be pleased with some of the changes, they may struggle to understand the difference between copays and coinsurance? Do you wish you could remember the differences between Medicare parts A,B,C and D? Maybe you have some questions about the best way to find a new doctor?  We’re open to any questions, not just about Medicare plans but also Individual plans too. The two open enrollment seasons are just around the corner and we want everyone to be prepared to know what to do and when to do it.

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. The Individual Open Enrollment Period is now also starting on Oct. 15 and runs through Jan. 31.

(To make a change for Jan. 1 in the Individual Market, changes must take place by Dec. 15). Both open enrollment periods give you a Jan. 1, 2019 effective date, unless you enroll after Dec. 15 for the Individual Market, then you could have a Feb. 1, 2019 effective date.

If you’re thoroughly confused like many Gilroy residents are and really don’t know if you have the best plan for your needs, consider reaching out to a professional in the insurance business and make an appointment for an informative discussion.

If you haven’t had a review of your plan in several years, it’s probably time. Why spend more money than you have to? We’re here to help. Evaluations are free and gives you peace of mind.

Michele Campbell is the owner of Michele Campbell Insurance in Gilroy. She can be reached at (408) 848-2271 or [email protected].