by Brenda Carney, Director of Social Work
October ushers in the annual Medicare Open Enrollment period, which starts on October 15th and runs through December 7th. During this Open Enrollment period, individuals can change their Medicare health plans and prescription drug coverage for 2017. Everyone enrolled in a Medicare health plan should receive an “Evidence of Coverage” (EOC) and “Annual Notice of Change” (ANOC). It is important that you read these when you receive them. These will detail the coverage through your current plan. If your plan has any changes, you should make certain that your current plan will still meet your needs for 2017. If you are satisfied with your current plan, then you don’t need to do anything.
A big change this year is the premium increase on the BCBS Legacy Medigap Plan, after the discontinuation of a 5-year rate freeze by BCBS. Rate increases for the Legacy Medigap Plan C will be anywhere from about $48 to $192 per month. Michigan Medigap subsidies will be available for income-eligible seniors, however an application is required. The application start date is October 1, and the deadline is December 15.
To apply, you can call 1-866-824-9772 or go to MichiganMedigapSubsidy.com. They estimate about 32% of those currently on Legacy Medigap will be eligible for a subsidy.
During Open Enrollment, if you require assistance in understanding your current benefits, please call and schedule an appointment with a Zena Baum Senior Service Center Social Worker at (313) 833-1300, ext. 32. If you need assistance with selecting a new Medicare health plan or prescription drug coverage plan for 2017, you can contact a MMAP counselor by calling 1-800-803-7174 or by going to mmapinc.org.
Important Upcoming Dates:
ELAC Elder Law Clinic Dates – Tuesday, November 15th , by appointment only
To schedule an appointment, please contact the Zena Baum Senior Service Center at (313) 833-1300, ext. 32
Reminder: Zena Baum Senior Service Center is open Tuesday and Thursday, by appointment only.
Please call (313) 833-1300, ext. 32 to make an appointment.
