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Open Enrollment is around the corner! But what exactly is open enrollment? Open Enrollment allows you to review and make changes to Medicare Part D prescription plans and Medicare Advantage plans. Each year, open enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7, and during this window of time, you can make changes to your insurance coverage. Those changes can be made to the following; monthly premiums, yearly deductibles, prescription copays, prescription formulary (list of covered medications), and pharmacy network. For many this process can be confusing and overwhelming--how do you know which option is the best fit for you?

We’re here to help. At the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan, we offer Medicaid/Medicare Assistance Program (MMAP). MMAP is designed to help older adults, their families, and caregivers understand, access, and apply for Medicare, Traditional Medicare Part A and B, Part D prescription plans, Medigap plans, and Medicare Advantage.

As Bob Callery, MMAP Regional Director, explains, “When people contact us, they may not be sure of what types of questions they need to ask, MMAP counselors can help people navigate the complexities of Medicare. Our counselors are unbiased and want to help people find what will work best for their needs and is the most cost-effective.”

Set up a phone appointment with our MMAP Specialists. During open enrollment, our Medicaid/Medicare specialists will guide you through the process, helping to determine if there are any significant changes to your Part D or Medicare Advantage plan. If there is a significant change or you find a plan that is more cost-effective, then you can make a plan change during this open enrollment time frame which we are happy to help walk you through. As one of our MMAP specialists helps you review your plan, you could decide your current plan remains the best option for you. If this is the case, then you don’t have to make a change and your plan will roll over into next year. It is important to note that enrollment in a new plan needs to be completed by December 7, 2021, with new plans going into effect on January 1, 2022.

Schedule a phone counseling session with our team today to get started! Counseling times are already filling up. You can call MMAP at 1-800-803-7174, the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan at (616) 456-5664, or email MMAP@aaawm.org.