Health First Health Plans Wants You Know Your Medicare ABCs (and Ds), Annual Enrollment Period Now Open

Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 for coverage effective Jan. 1

Health First Health Plans is here to help you navigate the Medicare maze. And now’s the perfect time – the Annual Enrollment Period is underway now through December 7

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – For people 65 or older, it’s that time. Now’s the opportunity for those who are eligible for the national health insurance program to switch their original Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Supplement plans if they’d like.

Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 to December 7 each year for coverage effective January 1.

But the ins and outs of Medicare aren’t always easy to navigate – which is why it’s smart to familiarize yourself with it.

“It’s wise to educate yourself about your options,” said Jason Alford, Health First Health Plans Vice President of Sales and Business Development.

“Be sure your providers are a part of the network that you select to avoid surprises in the future.  Also, consider the pharmacy and supplemental benefits offered in each plan so your overall health needs are covered.”

Health First Health Plans has been a staple in Brevard County since its inception in 1996. The Health Plan is always ready to help answer customers’ questions when weighing their Medicare options.

In Brevard and Indian River counties, the Health Plan serves more than 29,000 Medicare Advantage members, who have access to providers throughout Health First’s Integrated Delivery Network (IDN).

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Health First Health Plans has been a staple in Brevard County since its inception in 1996. The Health Plan is always ready to help answer customers’ questions when weighing their Medicare options.

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When you know how each Medicare plan works, it can save you time and money in the long run. But first, a primer. Medicare is broken down into four parts – Part A, B, C and D.

Here’s what each part includes:

■ Part A: Original Medicare, which covers hospitals, hospice, home health and skilled nursing facilities. Part A has a deductible and cost-sharing.
■ Part B: Covers physician services, diagnostic services, preventive services, outpatient services, medical equipment and some drugs. Part B also has a deductible and cost-sharing.
■ Part C: Approved by Medicare, Part C – Medicare Advantage – is offered by private companies, such as Health First Health Plans. It covers hospital and doctor visits. Sometimes, prescription drugs are covered, or dental, hearing and vision supplemental benefits are also included.
■ Part D: This can be either a standalone prescription drug plan (PDP) or a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan (MAPD), which offer both medical and drug benefits.

Medicare Advantage members must continue to pay their Part B premium and live in the plan’s service area. Failing to enroll in Part B could prove costly for Medicare members – monthly premiums will go up 10% for each year a Medicare member fails to sign up.

Some other important information to keep in mind:

■ Open Enrollment Period is held January 1 through March 31. During this time, individuals enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan are allowed to make a one-time election during the first three months of the calendar year to either switch Medicare Advantage plans or dis-enroll from a Medicare Advantage plan and obtain coverage through Original Medicare.

■ If you moved out of your plan’s service area, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to enroll into another plan in your new service area.

■ Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) is also considered an SEP, which offers financial assistance for those who qualify, based on their income.

■ Health First Health Plans continually strives to provide our community with the best health plan possible with many options to choose from.

■ Benefits include more than 100 prescription drugs at $0 copay; over-the-counter allowance; dental, vision and hearing allowances; and access to more than 4,000 providers in-network.

Customers can learn more by any of the following:

■ Attend an informational Medicare Advantage virtual or in-person seminar. There are many times available, giving customers a variety of options that best fit their schedules and locations. COVID-19 precautions (social distancing, mask-wearing and hand sanitizing) will be in full effect, should you choose the in-person option.

■ Call us. Health First Health Plans offers a concierge program, which can help you set up a home appointment or phone consultation. Customer representatives can schedule your own one-on-one with a Medicare Advantage expert, who will meet you where you feel most comfortable and on your schedule.

There’s also a virtual meeting option if you would prefer to avoid meeting in person.
Visit myhfhp.org to learn more. You can even enroll online.

Learn more by calling 321.252.1233 (TTY 1.800.955.8771). We’re available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week from October 1 to March 31. From April 1 to September 30, we’re available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday – Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

Visit myHFHP.org for more information

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