What's New for Medicare in 2021
State Health Insurance Assistance Programs • January 20, 2021
Medicare Advantage Plan costs
If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, your plan administers your Part B coverage. Remember that most people with Medicare, whether they have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan, pay the Part B monthly premium. Some people with a Medicare Advantage Plan may also pay an additional monthly premium for being enrolled in that plan.
If you have the same Medicare Advantage Plan in 2021 as you did in 2020, your plan should have sent you an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) or Evidence of Coverage (EOC) notice explaining any changes for the coming year.
Review this notice to understand your plan’s costs, covered services, and rules. Contact your plan if you did not receive these documents in the fall or want another copy. If you chose a new Medicare Advantage Plan, you should get an EOC for the new plan. Review that document to understand the costs associated with the plan for 2021.
When can I change my Medicare coverage in 2021?
During the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP), you can switch from your Medicare Advantage Plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan or to Original Medicare with or without a stand-alone prescription drug plan. The MA OEP occurs from January 1 through March 31. Changes made during this period are effective the first of the following month.
If you have Extra Help in 2021, you have a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to enroll in a Part D plan or switch between plans.
This SEP is available once per calendar quarter for the first three quarters of the year (January-March, April-June, and July-September). If you use the Extra Help SEP to change your coverage, the change will become effective the following month.
If you qualify for another Special Enrollment Period, you may be able to make changes to your Medicare health/drug coverage. For example, you may have an SEP if you move outside of your plan’s service area or If you think a government employee made a mistake while assisting you. Call 1-800-MEDICARE to use an SEP, and contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) by calling 877-839-2675 for more information.
Who can I contact if I have Medicare-related questions?
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP):
Contact your SHIP if you have questions about changes in costs and coverage of your Medicare in 2021. SHIP counselors provide unbiased Medicare counseling and assistance. Contact Juanita Beason with the East Texas Area Agency on Aging at juanita.beason@etcog.org or 1-800-442-8845.
Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP):
Contact your SMP (1-888-341-6187) if you believe you have enrolled in a plan based on misleading information or were enrolled in a plan without your knowledge. SMPs empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors, and abuse.
1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227):
Call 1-800-MEDICARE to use an SEP, to request another copy of the Medicare & You handbook, or for more information about your 2021 coverage.
Medicare Advantage Plan or Part D plan:
If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or Part D plan, contact your plan to ask about changes in your costs or coverage for 2021. You may also contact your Medicare Advantage Plan if you are using the MA OEP to switch plans.
The Marshall-Harrison County Health District invites community members to attend the next Building Healthy Futures class, Navigating Aging, on Thursday, July 30, at 1:00 p.m. at the Harrison County AgriLife Extension Office (2005 Warren Drive, Marshall, Texas). Presented by the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas, this free educational class is designed to introduce older adults, caregivers, and family members to valuable programs and resources that support healthy, independent living. Participants will learn about the Area Agency on Aging's evidence-based intervention programs, which are designed to promote wellness, prevent falls, manage chronic health conditions, and improve overall quality of life. Attendees will also enjoy a nutritious snack provided during the class. In addition to the presentation, the Area Agency on Aging will conduct a brief community survey to gather input on the types of aging-related classes and services residents would like to see offered in Marshall and Harrison County. Community feedback will help shape future educational opportunities to better meet local needs. "Building Healthy Futures is about connecting our community with trusted resources that support health and well-being at every stage of life," said Jennifer Hancock, Executive Director of the Marshall-Harrison County Health District. "We're excited to partner with the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas to learn more about the classes and services they offer." The class is free and open to the public. Registration is recommended by visiting mhchd.org or by contacting the Marshall-Harrison County Health District at 903-938-8338.
Each May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month, and this year’s theme was “Champion Your Health.” In recognition of the month, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas hosted three community events in Jacksonville, Marshall, and Athens, bringing together older adults, caregivers, staff, volunteers, and community partners to celebrate healthy aging and support older adults’ independence. More than 420 people attended the three events, where they received information and heard from experts on senior services, exercise programs, fraud and scams, and ways to take an active role in managing their health. Activities included on-site health screenings, evidence-based activity demonstrations, a Dementia Live demonstration, and the TxDOT Car Fit Program for Seniors. At some events, local officials also read proclamations recognizing May as Older Americans Month, including Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis, who presented the proclamation in Jacksonville. “We encourage older East Texans and their caregivers to connect with our agency to learn more about the resources and services available to help them live independently and remain active in their communities,” said Adrian Cornejo, ETCOG’s Director of the Area Agency on Aging. Special thanks to all event partners, sponsors, volunteers, AAA staff, and participants who helped make these Older Americans Month events a success!
