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The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is coming right up on Friday and will run October 15 through December 7. You should have received your “Annual Notice of Change” (ANOC) from your Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Part D insurer by now – they are usually sent out by September 30. This notice has information about all plan changes to your current plan that will take effect on January 1, 2022.
If you are concerned or have questions about any of the plan changes or if you are wondering if there is another Medicare insurance plan offered in Hawaii that could be a better fit for you, this is a great time to schedule a meeting with your Medicare agent. Because plans may change from year to year and different options become available each year, it is fairly common to discover a different plan that better fits your needs.
Contact Premier Benefit Consultants for free advice from a local professional. We are contracted and certified to represent all the most popular Medicare Advantage plans in Hawaii, which allows us to provide unbiased and certified advice. Think of us as your one stop shop for Medicare insurance.
What to Look Out for In Your Annual Notice of Change
There are several potential changes to look out for in your ANOC, including:
Change in premiums
Change in deductibles
Change in copays
Change in maximum out-of-pocket limit
Change in coinsurance
Changes in drug formulary (new drugs included, some drugs now excluded)
Changes to coverage (such as dental, hearing, or vision benefits)
Monthly premium changes for 2020
According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the average monthly premium for Medicare Advantage Plans will actually drop in 2022 to $19.00, down from $21.22 in 2021.
The average Medicare Part D premium, on the other hand, will increase to $33 in 2022; up from $31.47 in 2021. Seniors should also be aware that some Part D plans are folding. If your Part D plan will no longer be offered in plan year 2022, speak to your local Medicare agent to discuss your current Part D options. Otherwise, your insurer may automatically move you to a different Part D plan that could have a much higher premium or that may not include the particular prescription drugs you need.
Most seniors do not pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and that does not change from year to year.
Part B (medical insurance) does come with a monthly premium. This year, the standard Part B premium is $148.50; the 2022 premium has not yet been announced but it is expected to increase to $158.50 according to the latest Medicare trustees report. There may be other cost adjustments coming as well – watch out for potential changes to the deductible.
Whether you are on Original Medicare with a separate Part D drug plan or you’re on a Medicare Advantage Plan, this is the time to review any changes that will affect your benefits and premiums for 2022 and decide whether a different plan would be a better fit.
Our independent insurance agents are dedicated to assisting people on Medicare and those who are ready to transition from employer coverage to personal retirement coverage. We help kupuna understand their benefits options and apply for additional coverage, as needed. Because we represent all the major Medicare Advantage and supplement plans in Hawaii, we are able to offer unbiased advice; all at no cost to our clients.
At PBC, our clients are our number one priority and we look forward to getting to know you and your needs. Call us today at (808) 738-4500 to see how we may be of assistance.