By Joy Miller

With the upcoming open enrollment period for Medicare, it’s essential for Johnson County Medicare beneficiaries to be aware of the various notices they may receive.

These notices can include information about changes in coverage, new plan options, and important deadlines. It’s crucial to review these notices carefully to ensure that you understand any changes that may impact your coverage.

During Medicare’s Open Enrollment, Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, you can adjust your coverage. Around September, you will start to receive notices with information about many changes to your coverage for the coming year. It is important to read these notices to decide if your coverage will continue, continue to meet your needs or if you should change it.

Medicare & You Handbook 

The handbook is sent to everyone enrolled in Medicare. It includes information about Medicare- covered services and lists Medicare Advantage Plans and Part D plans in Kansas.

Annual Notice of Change & Evidence of Coverage 

This notice is sent to people who have a Medicare Advantage plan or Part D plan. Notices include any changes to your plan in 2025. Look for any changes to the plan’s provider network, formulary (list of drugs) and costs.

Consistent Poor Performance Notice

If you receive a notice in late October for being enrolled in a plan with a low rating for three consecutive years (three stars or fewer out of five), it suggests exploring other options in your area due to quality and performance issues, like appeal handling.

Plan Non-Renewal Notice

If your Medicare plan is ending, you will get a notice in October. You need to enroll in a new plan during Open Enrollment.

If you receive a Medicare Advantage plan non-renewal notice, you have a guaranteed issue right into a Medigap Supplement plan that works with traditional Medicare.

Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansans counselors can help by reviewing Medicare notices, explaining coverage changes, highlighting new plan options and offering guidance during open enrollment.

If you have a question or to request an appointment, contact the Johnson County K-State Research and Extension Office at 913-715-7000 or Johnson County Aging and Human Services at 913-715-8856.

For more information about Medicare education classes and SHICK services, please visit tinyurl.com/43w9fw58.

Joy Miller is the Family and Community Wellness agent at the Johnson County K-State Research and Extension Office.