During open enrollment Medicare recipients may make changes to their Medicare Advantage coverage

Medicare recipients may still make changes to their Medicare Advantage coverage during open enrollment period, which runs Jan. 1 to March 31.

"Open enrollment helps Medicare members make sure they've made the right choice. If members have chosen a plan that may not fit their needs, if their finances have changed, or if members' health needs have changed, open enrollment gives Medicare Advantage members an opportunity to make a change," says Stephen Spurgeon, M.D. Chief Medical Officer for Mercy Health Plans.

Generally, during open enrollment, recipients may switch plans if they do not change their prescription drug coverage. For example, a member may switch from traditional Medicare with Part D (prescription drug) coverage to a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage, but that same member cannot switch to a Medicare Advantage plan without drug coverage.  

"If you are having second thoughts about your Medicare coverage, now is the time to make a change. Whether or not members made changes during annual enrollment, there are still a few moves that can be made during Medicare open enrollment to ensure that the members' plan fits their healthcare needs," says Dr. Spurgeon.  

Medicare Advantage plans cover Medicare-approved services including major healthcare expenses, preventive and routine services, and many plans include prescription drug benefits. Mercy Health Plans offers a variety of Medicare Advantage plans and with monthly premium options beginning at zero, members may choose a plan that fits their needs as well as their budget.