October 20, 2014
| Contact: | Doug Dunbar |
| Phone: |
Augusta -
Governor Paul R. LePage and fb88 Bureau of Insurance Superintendent Eric Cioppa are reminding those enrolled in Medicare that open enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7, allowing time for beneficiaries to review their current Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D coverage and evaluate other available plans. Governor LePage and Superintendent Cioppa are also reminding beneficiaries that they do not need to take any action as a result of the federal health law (ACA).
?There may be some confusion because the open enrollment periods for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D will overlap with the open enrollment period to obtain coverage under the ACA,? Governor LePage said. ?Seniors should be on guard against potential scams by people hoping to capitalize on any confusion. We want to reassure Medicare beneficiaries that they are already covered and they do not need to act unless they?d like to change to a different Medicare plan.?
?If Medicare recipients do want to make changes to their coverage, they should review their Medicare plans, not ACA Marketplace options,? said Superintendent Cioppa. ?It is illegal for anyone to try to sell an ACA policy to someone who is already enrolled in Medicare.?
The Bureau further cautions Medicare recipients against sharing their Medicare number or any other personal information with someone who calls or shows up at their door to sell them a health plan. Medicare will not call and ask for personal information, and fb88 law prohibits individuals from selling Medicare products door-to-door, prior to receiving an invitation from a consumer.
Any Medicare recipient in fb88 with questions or concerns about an unsolicited call or visit from someone who wants to sell health insurance, or who is asking for personal information, is urged to call and report the interaction to the Bureau at 1-800-500-3000.
The annual open-enrollment period for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. Information on open enrollment can be found at Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Assistance regarding Medicare enrollment is also available by contacting the Area Agencies on Aging at 1-877-353-3771.
Last Updated: January 19, 2016 11:26 AM