Earlier Medicare enrollment period brings new round of ads

Open enrollment periods for health plans also focus the spotlight on how health coverage is likely to change in 2014 when key elements of the health law take effect.

NPR: Medicare Enrollment Comes Sooner This Year
If you're a senior on Medicare -; or an adult child responsible for a senior on Medicare -; here's something you should know: The annual "open enrollment" period for joining or changing prescription drug or private health plans is already under way (Rovner, 10/24).

Politico Pro: Medicare Ads Sell Health Reform Benefits
This year's Medicare open enrollment television ads include mentions of the benefits of the health reform law -; a point that's likely to raise the ire of opponents of health reform. The ads are running to remind seniors about Medicare' open enrollment period, which runs through Dec. 7. Last year, Republicans and opponents of the health reform law accused the Obama administration of using Medicare commercials with actor Andy Griffith to advertise the benefits of the law. This year' ads feature three male seniors discussing the open enrollment period. When one man asks another if he can stick with his old Medicare plan, the other says, "Sure, or find a new plan with better coverage, less cost or both" (Haberkorn, 10/21).

The Wall Street Journal: What's Ahead For Health Plans
We ain't seen nothin' yet. The key provisions of the federal health overhaul take effect in 2014, including a requirement for most people to have health insurance; a ban on insurance companies considering individuals' health status when they sell plans; and the creation of new health-coverage marketplaces called "exchanges" (10/22).