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.
Throughout May, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) will join organizations nationwide in celebrating Older Americans Month (OAM). This month-long observance honors the contributions of seniors in our communities. To mark the occasion, AAA will host and collaborate with local organizations for four special celebration events across East Texas, held at senior centers and community hubs. These events will highlight the importance of connection and the role strong relationships play in maintaining a vibrant, healthy senior population. OAM is a national initiative led by the Administration for Community Living. This year’s theme, “Flip the Script on Aging,” challenges outdated perceptions and encourages a fresh perspective on aging. It promotes a shift in how society talks about, understands, and supports older adults, empowering communities to embrace aging in a more positive and inclusive way. Join Us for These Community Celebrations! The following OAM events are open to the public and will feature food, entertainment, door prizes, and valuable information about services available to East Texas seniors: 📅 May 7 – Henderson Community Building, 302 Fair Park, Henderson | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM 📅 May 15 – First United Methodist Church, 225 Lovers Ln, Athens | 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM 📅 May 16 – Jefferson Senior Center, 111 W. Broadway, Jefferson | 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM 📅 May 21 – Harrison County Agrilife Extension Office, 2005 Warren Drive, Marshall | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM The AAA advocates for seniors and provides essential services, including benefits counseling, case management, health education, nutrition programs, referrals, and Ombudsman support for those in assisted living. These services promote independence and dignity, helping seniors remain in their communities. For event inquiries, call (903) 218-6500.
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