Medicare Open Enrollment 2020 starts Oct 15 and ends Dec 7th. This is the time when you can change your Medicare Part D drug plans.

Medigap can be changed ANYTIME. Plan and carrier changes subject to review of health history and medications by an underwriter.

I can pre-screen your history and in most cases, let you know if you have a good chance of being approved or not.

If you want coverage effective  . . .

October 1, last day to apply is Friday 9/27 before noon

November 1, last day to apply is Friday, 10/18 before noon

December 1, last day to apply is Friday, 11/8 before noon

January 1, last day to apply is Friday, 11/20 before noon

All the carriers are very busy during open enrollment. It is not unusual for applications submitted after Thanksgiving to be processed and approved mid to late January.

Medicare Drug Plan Finder

The folks at Medicare decided the “old” plan finder that had worked reasonably well needed a facelift. Something to make it

. . . “user friendly”

Problem is the new Plan Finder is essentially non-functional. You can find plans with the lowest premium and those that do not have a deductible.

However you can NOT find the plans with the TOTAL lowest cost (premium + copay).

Nor can you see the month by month copay report so you can budget your cost during the year.

These are kind of important to seniors . . . but not to Medicare. These reports are no longer available. It is impossible to find the plan that fits your needs and budget.

If you call Medicare direct they use the same plan finder and will not be able to provide the information you need.

This forces me to contract with a company who bought the rights to the old plan finder. They will be able to run reports for you. More on this later.

Private video, available only by link, explains

About URLinsurancegroup

Kelly Lucas at URL is your direct contact for all things related to Part D. kellyl@urlinsgroup.com

Tell her that Bob Vineyard is your Medigap agent. This allows her to keep my clients separate from other agents that use their service.

Here is what Kelly will need to help you find the drug plan that is suitable.

• Exact name and dosage for each medication
• How often filled and quantity
• Preferred pharmacy
• Advise if any filled by mail
• Name of your current Medicare Part D carrier

Many drug plans overcharge for what are normally low cost generics. A $4 generic paid by cash or using GoodRx can easily be $15 or more.

Keep in mind you can often pay less by NOT using your drug plan.

• When you contact Kelly you will need to complete and email the following forms. This allows her to help you and comply with CMS rules.

Permission to Contact form

Scope of Appointment

In addition to your drug information, and the forms, Kelly will need:

• Your name, email and phone number
• Home zip code and county
• Effective date for your drug plan. (Renewals will always be January 1)

Remind Kelly you would like the following information.

• Compare copay’s with your current pharmacy and a Preferred pharmacy. CVS is “loved” by most drug plans
• Report showing the lowest TOTAL cost for the year - premiums + copay’s
• Month by month copay report