Seniors in villages with Medicare Advantage (MA) plans will have access to their current plans in 2025, according to Jim Bodenner, president of the village chapter of the National Retirees Legislative Network (NRLN). You should check immediately if this is the case.
“Most of the Medicare Advantage insurance companies that offer MA plans to Villagers have announced dropping more than 1 million enrollees nationwide,” Bodenner said. “That's why it's important to the seniors here whether the plan ends on Dec. 31, 2024, or continues in 2025.”
According to Bodenner, Humana told investors that the company expects to lose about 10% of its MA enrollment next year, or about 560,000, after exiting 13 unprofitable markets and trimming plan options. I am. CVS Health Aetna forces 420,000 members to find other coverage. Centene – WellCare announced in August it would be ending a plan affecting approximately 37,000 enrollees. Up to 5,395 Cigna beneficiaries will need to find a new plan. UnitedHealthCare has not announced whether it will remove MA enrollees.
“In addition to enrollment drops, there have been news reports of MA insurance companies adding or raising premiums,” Bodenner said. This is an opportunity to think about whether you want to consider Original Medicare with a Medigup plan that pays the 20% that Medicare doesn't cover.
Bodenner was assured that if an individual's MA plan is eliminated at the end of this year, he or she will get another MA plan or go into Original Medicare, as required by federal law. I have a problem (GIR).
“With GIR, you can get an MA plan or enroll in Original Medicare. If you choose, you will purchase a supplement policy (Medigap) to cover the 20% that Medicare doesn't pay,” Bodenner said. says. “GIRs are obtaining other health care coverage 63 days after their current MA plan coverage ends. The Medicare Open Enrollment Period from October 15th to December 7th is the period in which they cannot enroll in a new plan. Masu.”
He said that during the 63-day window, no one over the age of 65 can be denied original Medicare with an MA plan or a Medigup plan due to pre-existing medical conditions or face underwriting due to their medical history. I added.
“If your MA plan ends and you do not take action to get another MA plan or enroll in Original Medicare, you will be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare but without a Medigup plan,” Bordenner said. “MA plans that may be ending may include Medicare Part D for prescription drugs. If so, shop for a Medicare Part D plan or an MA plan that includes Part D coverage. It would be wise to buy it.”
He said it was important to keep any letters, notices or emails from the MA scheme stating that the scheme was being discontinued. To obtain a GIR, you may need information to prove that your insurance period has expired.
“NRLN would like to hear from villagers whose MA plan providers have discontinued their plans and have not informed them about the GIR,” Bodenner said. Send an email to contact@nrln.org The name of the MA plan insurance company and whether it is an HMO or PPO. ”
Mr Bodenner said on the NRLN website: www.nrln.org Here's a video to help those who want to purchase a Medigap plan. www.medicare.gov And soon there will be a video on how to shop for an MA plan.
“NRLN wants to help villagers get the health insurance that's right for them at the best price,” Bodener said. “Ask your friends to sign up for the Village Retirees Chapter https://nrln.org/2021/01/email-sign-up/ To provide information about this MA issue and other issues of importance to retirees. ”
