Medicare’s Open Enrollment Ends Tomorrow

Attention Seniors!  If you rely on Medicare, the Open Enrollment period ends tomorrow, Friday, December 7th.  If you're confused, there is help for you out there.  There are also some special exceptions for those affected by Superstorm Sandy.

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, there are plenty of new options open to you this coming year, but you have to act fast.  Ray Hurd with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Regions 1 and 2 says New Jersey's State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP, have counselors on hand for today and tomorrow to help you through the process.

Hurd says "many people feel like what they have is fine and opt not to take advantage of the ability to change things.  You may want to rethink that.  There could be a way you can save money for 2013."

All it takes is a phone call to one of the counselors.  Hurd adds "it only takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour but the savings could be robust."

You can reach a SHIP counselor at 1-800-792-8820.

The Medicare Plan Finder is a great resource to help you evaluate plan options. On the medicare.gov website, you are able to compare quality summary ratings for health plans and compare the cost ranges for plans available in your community.

For anyone affected by Superstorm Sandy, and that means displaced because the storm destroyed your home, or if you've lost valuable documents and need more time, you must first call 1-800-MEDICARE.  They will be the only ones who can make the determination if you'll be able to get an extension.

For help on choosing the plan that's right for you or to get more information, visit Medicare.gov