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Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey and SHIIP, the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program, remind Medicare beneficiaries about the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period in North Carolina.

“Our health can change dramatically within a year’s time,” Causey said. “If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, now is the right time to make sure you have the plan that best meets your needs.”

Those unhappy with their Medicare Advantage Plan (Medicare Part C) have options. Each year, there is a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from Jan. 1 to March 31. During this time, those in a Medicare Advantage Plan who want to change health plans can do one of the following:

• Switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan with or without drug coverage

• Go back to Original Medicare and, if needed, also join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan

For those who switch Medicare Advantage Plans or go back to Original Medicare with or without a Medicare drug plan, new coverage will start the first day of the month after the new plan gets the request for coverage. “Keep in mind, if you go back to Original Medicare now, you may not be able to buy a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy,” noted a press release from Causey’s office.

For assistance with Medicare questions, contact NC SHIIP at 1-855-408-1212 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to speak to a SHIIP counselor. The Medicare Plan Finder can also help you find, compare and enroll in a new Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medicare drug plan in your area. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for help. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is only for people who are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan and want to change your plan, check out your options today. Remember, the Medicare Advantage Plan Open Enrollment Period ends March 31.

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