Deadline for Medicare Enrollment Is Earlier This Year

Deadline for Medicare Enrollment Is Earlier This Year

November 30, 2012 | Audrey Fannin

Medicare recipients have until Friday, Dec. 7 to make changes to their healthcare plan for 2013. There were a wealth of warnings about changes to the national program during the recent election. But Donna Reynolds, regional vice president with UnitedHealthcare Medicare and Retirement, says there are only a few changes this year, one of which is the earlier window for open enrollment.

Another change she says is very positive is that healthcare reform is closing the prescription drug donut hole. "It used to be if you hit that gap, you had to pay 100% of those costs," says Reynolds. "Health care reform every year is shrinking that amount of your cost share until 2020 when there is no donut hole anymore." Reynolds says this year's plans also extend an ounce of prevention, allowing coverage for a routine physical exam for all Medicare beneficiaries.

Reynolds recommends reviewing your policy if your health needs have changed in the past year or if you expect a change in 2013. She says if you are happy with your current Medicare plan, you don't have to do anything and your current coverage will continue as-is.

For more information about Medicare's 2013 plans, visit www.medicare.gov.