Insurance Agency Prepares Seniors for Medicare Open Enrollment

California-based insurance agency, Benefit Packages, has issued an official warning to seniors about the looming December 7 open enrollment deadline for Medicare. The agency advises seniors that just weeks are left to switch Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plans.

During Medicare open enrollment, seniors are eligible to join, switch or drop Medicare prescription drug plans or switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another. Seniors are encouraged to carefully consider their options based on their specific needs in the next year, especially considering that certain aspects of coverage can change from year to year, such as drug coverage.

For those not yet enrolled in Medicare, the agency urges enrollees to sign consider a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C), such as Anthem Medicare Preferred PPO, or, alternatively, to sign up for Original Medicare in advance of their 65th birthday in order to secure coverage on time. Individuals who choose Original Medicare should consider a supplement plan to fill in any coverage gaps.

The agency warns that failing to enroll by the December 7 deadline could lead to delays and penalties as well as out-of-pocket medical and prescription costs due to inadequate coverage.

Seniors whose Medicare Advantage Plans have been non-renewed by their carrier are entitled to a special enrollment period (SEP) between December 8 and February 28, and will be allowed to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Supplement on a guaranteed-issue basis.

Benefit Packages is an authorized broker of Anthem Blue Cross Medicare and other plans and has a staff of licensed insurance agents with years of experience guiding seniors through their Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement options. The company urges seniors not to delay enrolling or re-enrolling in Medicare and to call 1-800-356-3615 for assistance or visit the company's website at www.benefitpackages.com.

About Benefit Packages
For over 20 years Benefit Packages has helped individuals and employer groups of every size obtain comprehensive health and dental insurance. The Better Business Bureau-accredited agency prides itself on personalized service and a no-nonsense approach to getting clients insured at the most reasonable rates.