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Turning 65 soon? already 65 but have coverage through employer/prior employer? These are four common mistakes that you will want to avoid.

04/02/2013 The “normal” annual enrollment period (AEP) last between October 15 and December 7. This is the time Medicare beneficiaries can get into a Medicare Advantage Plan (MAPD) or change their Medicare Advantage Plan (MAPD). That being said, some Medicare recipients may still be able to changing or securing a MAPD. There are several Special Enrollment Periods (SEP) types, that if you are eligible, you can get into a MAPD or change your existing MAPD. Below are some of theses SEP’s: Change in residency: If you are living in New Jersey and move to Philadelphia, this opens up a SEP.  You are permitted to select a new MAPD in your new location. Dual-Eligible Individuals: Simply put if you are on both Medicare and receive any type of assistance from the Medicaid program you can change almost anytime to a new and different Medicare Advantage plan. Loss of Dual-Eligible Status: If you loose Medicaid eligibility you can then seek and secure a new MAPD. Trial Right:You are allowed to leave a MAPD within the first 12 months(trial right) and go back to a Medicare Supplement plan anytime within that 12 month trial period.  State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program: In Pennsylvania, this is called PACE. If you are on Pace or PaceNet, this opens a SEP, and you can get into a MAPD at anytime. LIS, Low Income Subsidy beneficiaries: If someone is receiving extra help through social security or low income subsidy, they also qualifies as a SEP. SNP Special Needs Plans: If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you can get into one specific carrier’s MAPD. As you can see from above, there are special situations when seniors, or those with disabilities and on Medicare, can make plan changes or secure an advantage plan outside the normal annual enrollment period. We fully realize that this is pretty confusing. If you find yourself in one of these situations or have any questions, just call (215) 658-1776 and we will assisit you every step of the way.

3/26/2013 We are seeing a significant trend of Medicare beneficiaries enroll into either the Keystone 65 Select HMO Plan and the Bravo Health Plan.  These are both Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C of Medicare). The Keystone 65 Select HMO plan offers Medical and prescription coverage for $31.50/month (Philadelphia & Bucks county) and $46.50 (Delaware, Chester, Montgomery counties). Excellent, comprehensive coverage, from a insurance company that many Philadelphians have trusted for many years. The Keystone 65 plan also has Silver Sneakers, allowing you to go to the gym at no cost to you. Bravo Health is also a Medicare Advantage Plan that many Medicare beneficiaries are signing up for. This offers a $0 premium for both medical and prescriptions. Good, solid coverage at a great premium!