DENVER - Medicare beneficiaries and their families need to be aware that the annual Medicare Open Enrollment period will end on Monday, Dec. 7, 2020. People needing help with enrollment and sorting through the options available can call 800-MEDICARE, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Open enrollment is the time when more than 60 million eligible individuals with Medicare across the country can review their coverage choices and decide on the options that best meet their health needs for the next year. During Open Enrollment, Medicare beneficiaries can compare coverage options like Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, and choose health and prescription drug plans for 2021.
Why is it important to compare plans for next year? Medicare health and drug plan costs and covered benefits can change from year-to-year, and a person’s health care needs or situation may have changed too.
“Time is running out,” said Kimberly Latta, Director of the Colorado State Health Insurance Assistance Program (Colorado SHIP). “And with the new choices available in Medicare this year, we are encouraging people to not wait any longer.”
As Always, Watch Out for Scams and Identity Theft
Colorado SHIP urges people with Medicare to practice safety measures to guard against identity theft during open enrollment. Beneficiaries should not give their Medicare card or Medicare number to anyone except their doctor or people they know should have it. People can report any suspected Medicare fraud to the Colorado Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) at 800-503-5190.
Don’t wait until the last minute. Call 800-MEDICARE and get help in finding a plan that’s best for you.
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Colorado SHIP, housed in the Division of Insurance, part of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), helps Medicare enrollees navigate the Medicare system, including Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans. Medicare enrollees with questions about these items, or other concerns, can contact a Colorado SHIP Counselor at 888-696-7213.
About the Division of Insurance:
The Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI), part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), regulates the insurance industry and assists consumers and other stakeholders with insurance issues. Visit doi.colorado.gov for more information or call 303-894-7499 / toll free 800-930-3745.
About DORA:
DORA is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the marketplace and is committed to promoting a fair and competitive business environment in Colorado. Consumer protection is our mission. Visit dora.colorado.gov for more information or call 303-894-7855 / toll free 800-886-7675.