Medicare Open Enrollment: Time to Review, Plan and Shop

DES MOINES, Iowa, Oct. 9 -- The Iowa Department of Commerce's Insurance Division issued the following news release:

Medicare open enrollment provides Iowans with a yearly opportunity to review, plan and shop for different coverage options. The Iowa Insurance Division's Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) is available to help assist Iowans by providing free, confidential and objective information.

Open enrollment for Medicare health or prescription drug plans runs from October 15 through December 7. Iowans wanting to make changes will need to do so during that timeframe or most likely wait another full year before changes can be made.

It's important for Iowans to review your current coverage, determine what features of coverage matter most to them and shop for plans that meet their needs and fit their budget.

When reviewing Medicare coverage, Iowans should read any notices from their Medicare plan about changes for next year, especially the "Annual Notice of Change" letter.

Medicare health and drug plans change each year and so can health needs. It's important for Iowans to determine if their medications are covered by the current Medicare plan or if another Medicare plan offers the same value at a lower cost. Iowans enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans will​ also want to make sure the network of coverage includes the doctors they want to use.

Iowans should shop around for plans that fit their needs and budget. Medicare has a plan finder tool at Medicare.gov/find-a-plan so Iowans can view what plans are offered in their area.

Iowans can c​all SHIIP at 1-800-351-4664 (TTY 800-735-2942) for help comparing plans. SHIIP is a free, confidential service of the State of Iowa.