Illinois Medicare Open Enrollment 2011 -2012

October 9, 2011 Category: Medicare, Medicare Drug Plan

 If you are an Illinois resident about to turn 65 or already 65 and enrolled in Medicare, there are a few things you should know. For most people in Illinois, enrollment in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is automatic and you can rest assured that if you qualify, you will be covered. However, there is a very specific time frame for enrollment in Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Part D (prescription drug coverage).

 Illinois Medicare open enrollment 2011-2012 has changed from last year. If you are considering making changes to your medical coverage, you need to know this information. Besides, learning a little about open enrollment will make it that much easier for you when you are enrolled and faced with making decisions about your health care. 

Enrolling in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) 

Enrollment in Illinois Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) and Part B (medical coverage) couldn’t be easier. As long as you are 65 and meet a few basic requirements, you are automatically qualified. In fact, you don’t need to do anything at all because the Social Security Administration automatically enrolls you, and you should receive your card by mail. If it doesn’t come, call the Social Security Administration and inquire. 

While Medicare Part A is free for most people, there is a premium charged for Part B. When you receive your card, you need to decide if you are going to keep Medicare Part B, or decline coverage. If you choose to keep it, the premium will automatically be deducted from your Social Security benefits. However, if you choose to decline, you will not be charged for Part B, but you will not be covered under Part B. At this time you will also need to decide if you will be enrolling in Medicare Part D, prescription drug coverage. Again, this coverage is optional. You purchase Part D from a private insurer and pay a monthly premium to them. Part D is not automatically deducted from your benefits. 

Enrolling in Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) or Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) 

If you have decided that you would like to enroll in Medicare Part C or D, there are very specific time periods when this can be done. This period of time is called “open enrollment” and only occurs once annually. Illinois Medicare open enrollment period 2011-2012, has changed from last year and there are new dates.  While annual enrollment used to begin in November and last until the end of the year, for 2011-2012, open enrollment has moved up considerably. For Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D, prescription drug plans, the new Illinois Medicare open enrollment is October 15 through December 7. 

During open enrollment, if you qualify for Original Medicare, you may enroll in Medicare Part D coverage or if you already have Part D, you may change plans. Additionally, you may purchase a Medicare Advantage plan or if you are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and wish to return to Original Medicare, you may do so during this time.

 For coverage to be effective January 1, 2012, you must make your choices by the new deadline of December 7. Remember, Illinois Medicare open enrollment is only once a year. Even if you are satisfied with your coverage, you should review the plan for the 2011-2012 year as Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D may have changed coverage, networks or other plan features. 

Peace of Mind with Part C and Part D 

With Original Medicare, there are considerable out-of-pocket expenses, including deductibles, copayments and coinsurance. While the Part A premium is free for most Illinois residents, Part B is not and for a few Illinois residents, the annual premium has increased 4.4%. On the other hand, premiums for Part D will not rise and premiums for Medicare Advantage plans are actually decreasing by about 4%.