Medicare Open Enrollment

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Presentation transcript:

Medicare Open Enrollment October 15 to December 7, 2013 Medicare Open Enrollment is from October 15 to December 7, 2013. This training module was developed and approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that administers Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Health Insurance Marketplace. The information in this module was correct as of October 2013. To check for updates on the new health care legislation, visit healthcare.gov To check for an updated version of this and other training modules, visit cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Training/CMSNationalTraining Program/index.html This set of CMS National Training Program materials isn’t a legal document. The official Medicare program provisions are contained in the relevant laws, regulations, and rulings. 1-800-MEDICARE www.medicare.gov

Medicare Open Enrollment 2013 Objectives Following this session you should be able to Provide an overview of key dates Know how to compare Medicare plans Describe how to join a new plan Refer to helpful resources Following this session you should be able to Provide an overview of key dates Know how to compare Medicare plans Describe how to join a new plan Refer to helpful resources October 2013 Medicare Open Enrollment 2013

Medicare Open Enrollment 2013 2014 Overview Medicare Advantage (MA) premiums are projected to remain stable Average weighted premium will increase by $1.64 The average MA premium is projected to be $32.60 MA premiums are down 9.8 percent Since passage of Affordable Care Act (ACA) 99.1 percent people with Medicare have access to an MA plan Over one-third MA plans have four or more stars Medicare Advantage premiums are projected to remain stable; average weighted premium will increase by $1.64. The average MA premium in 2014 is projected to be $32.60. Since passage of the Affordable Care Act, average MA premiums are down by 9.8 percent. The average number of plan choices will remain about the same in 2014 with 99.1 percent of beneficiaries having access to an MA plan and access to supplemental benefits remains stable.  MA quality continues to improve as over one-third of MA contracts will receive four or more stars, which is an increase from 28 percent in 2013.  Over half of MA enrollees are enrolled in plans with four or more stars, a significant increase from 37 percent of enrollees last year.  October 2013 Medicare Open Enrollment 2013

Medicare Open Enrollment 2013 2014 Overview Part D estimated average basic premium and estimated total premium will slightly increase Average premium projected to be $32.42 in 2014 People who reach the “donut hole” 52.5 percent discount on covered brand name drugs 28 percent discount on covered generic drugs Part D estimated average basic premium and estimated total premium will slightly increase for 2014 Average premium projected to be $32.42 in 2014. People who reach the “donut hole” 52.5 percent discount on covered brand name drugs 28 percent discount on covered generic drugs October 2013 Medicare Open Enrollment 2013

Open Enrollment for People with Medicare From October 15 to December 7 you can Join or switch a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Join or switch a Medicare Advantage Plan Take time to review health and drug plan choices Choose the plan that fits your needs Coverage begins on January 1, 2014 You’ll have membership card/materials in hand Every year you have the opportunity to review your choices and pick the Medicare health and drug plan that work best for you. The Open Enrollment period starts on October 15 and ends December 7. This gives people with Medicare a full seven weeks to compare and make decisions, and helps ensure that they will have essential plan materials and membership cards in hand on January 1, 2014, when their new coverage starts. October 2013

Key Dates September 16 CMS began mailing 2014 Medicare & You handbook 30 Most plans must provide Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)/Evidence of Coverage (EOC) to members* October 1 Plans may begin marketing 2014 plan data to be displayed on the Medicare Plan Finder (MPF) 8 Plan star ratings updated on MPF 15 Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period begins December 7 Open Enrollment ends January CY 2014 plan benefit period begins September 16 - CMS mails the 2014 Medicare & You handbook September 30 - Plans must provide Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)/Evidence of Coverage (EOC)* to members. CMS considers the ANOC/EOC the most crucial and comprehensive benefit and plan information provided to beneficiaries. The ANOC/EOC is intended to outline benefit changes for the upcoming year including changes in cost- sharing and drug tier structures. October 1 – Plans may begin marketing October 1 – 2014 plan data to be displayed on the Medicare Plan Finder (MPF) October 8– Plan ratings updated on MPF October 15 – Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period begins December 7 – Open Enrollment ends January 1, 2014 – CY 2014 plan benefit period begins *NOTE: Dual eligible Special Needs Plans have the option to send a combined ANOC/EOC by 9/30 or send the ANOC and Summary of Benefits by 9/30 and the EOC by 12/31. *Dual eligible Special Needs Plans have the option to send a combined ANOC/EOC by 9/30 or send the ANOC and Summary of Benefits by 9/30 and the EOC by 12/31. October 2013

Medicare Open Enrollment 2013 Comparing Plans Each year Medicare Plans can change costs and coverage Plans mail Evidence of Coverage/Annual Notice of Change Gives details about plan coverage, costs, etc. For the next year Some plans may choose to leave Medicare Plans mail notice of non-renewal Members have a Special Enrollment Period Each year, Medicare Plans can change what they cost and cover. They must inform you of the coverage and changes each year. Plans mail Evidence of Coverage The EOC gives details about plan coverage, costs, etc. Plans mail Annual Notice of Change The Annual Notice of Change includes changes in coverage, costs, or service area effective in January Some plans may choose to leave Medicare Is your health or drug plan leaving Medicare? Health and prescription drug plans can decide not to participate in Medicare for the coming year. Your plan will send you a letter before the start of the Open Enrollment Period if it decides to leave Medicare or stops providing coverage in your area. Members whose plans do not renew their contracts have a Special Enrollment Period that runs from 10/15/13 – 2/28/14. October 2013 Medicare Open Enrollment 2013

Things to Consider Coverage Are the services or drugs you need covered? Do you have or are you eligible for other health and drug coverage? Costs Premiums, coinsurance, copays, and deductibles What is the out-of-pocket limit for medical care? Are your doctors/hospitals part of the plan? Are your prescription drugs covered? What are the plan’s quality ratings? Are the offices/pharmacies/hospitals convenient? Do you travel for long periods during the year? Before making any changes, you should consider the following: Your coverage needs - Do you have, or are you eligible for other types of health or prescription drug coverage (like from a former or current employer or union)? If so, read the materials from your insurer or plan, or call them to find out how the coverage works with or is affected by Medicare. Talk with your benefits administrator, insurer, or plan before making any changes to your coverage. If you drop your coverage, you may not be able to get it back. Costs - How much are your premiums, coinsurance, copays, or deductibles, and other costs? What is the out-of-pocket limit for medical care? Your costs may vary and may be different if you don’t follow the coverage rules. Doctor and hospital choice - Do your doctors and other health care providers accept the coverage? Are the doctors you want to see accepting new patients? Do you have to choose your hospital and health care providers from a network? Do you need to get referrals? Prescription Drugs - Do you need to join a Medicare drug plan? Do you already have creditable prescription drug coverage? Will you pay a penalty if you join a drug plan later? What will your prescription drugs cost under each plan? Are your drugs covered under the plan’s formulary? Are there any coverage rules that apply to your prescriptions? Quality of care - Are you satisfied with your medical care? The quality of care and services given by plans and other health care providers can vary. Medicare has information to help you compare how well plans and providers work to give you the best care possible. Convenience - Where are the doctors’ offices? What are their hours? Which pharmacies can you use? Can you get your prescriptions by mail? Do the doctors use electronic health records or prescribe electronically? Travel - Will the plan cover you in another state or outside the U.S.? October 2013

Where to Get Plan Information Medicare Plan Finder on Medicare.gov The plan’s website Medicare & You handbook 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Here are five ways to get open enrollment and plan information: Visit Medicare.gov/find-a-plan to use the Medicare Plan Finder. Go to the plan’s website. Look at your most recent Medicare & You handbook to see a listing of plans in your area. You should also review any information you get from your current plan, including the Annual Notice of Change letter. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048. Get free personalized health insurance counseling by calling your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). To get the phone number for the SHIP in your state call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit Medicare.gov/contacts. The number is also printed on the back the your Medicare & You handbook. October 2013 Medicare Open Enrollment 2013

Medicare Open Enrollment 2013 1. Medicare Plan Finder More detailed comparison using Medicare Plan Finder Medicare.gov, select “Find Health and Drug Plans” Check the plan’s quality summary rating 5-Star and low-performing plan icons See which drugs are on the plan’s formulary Compare the cost ranges for plans in your area For a more detailed comparison use the Medicare Plan Finder: Medicare.gov, select “Health and Drug Plans” Then select “Compare Health and Drug Plans” Check the plan’s quality summary rating CMS developed a quality rating system for Medicare Advantage plans. Plans are rated on a one to five star scale, with 5 stars being the highest rating. The rating system is based upon well-established measures of health care delivery quality, including measurement of a plan’s quality of care, access to care, responsiveness, and beneficiary satisfaction provided by the plan. Five star plans are indicated in the Plan Finder tool with a gold star. Plans that have performed poorly for the past three years will also be identified with an icon in Plan Finder. CMS also rates Part D plans on elements including call center hold time, members’ ability to get prescriptions easily filled when using the drug plan, and plans’ fairness in denials to members’ appeals. Identify which drugs may or may not be on the plan’s formulary (list of covered drugs) Compare the cost ranges for plans in your area October 2013 Medicare Open Enrollment 2013

5-Star Special Enrollment Period Enroll one time any time during the year in a 5-Star Medicare Advantage Plan 5-Star Medicare Advantage with Prescription Drug Plan 5-Star Prescription Drug Plan Even if already in a 5-Star Plan New plan starts first of month after enrolled Star ratings on Plan Finder October 8 Updated yearly CMS announced the establishment of a special enrollment period (SEP) that will allow Medicare beneficiaries eligible for MA plans to enroll in a 5-star MA plan at any point during the year. The general parameters of the SEP are as follows: For purposes of the Special Enrollment period, an MA, MAPD, or PDP must have a 5-star rating as of the 2014 Open Enrollment period (OE), regardless of the rating used for purposes of 2014 quality bonus payments. As currently constituted, the new SEP will apply only for purposes of enrolling in a 5-star MA or MAPD plan or in a 5-star stand-alone Part D plan. Beneficiaries are not permitted to enroll in any other Medicare health plan under this SEP. Individuals will be eligible for this SEP if they are either enrolled in a MA plan, or enrolled in Original Medicare, and meet the MA eligibility requirements. Note: Eligible beneficiaries already enrolled in a 5-star MA plan are eligible to change to another 5-star plan during the SEP. Enrollment requests made using this SEP will be effective the first of the month following the month the enrollment request is received. Once an individual enrolls in a 5-star plan, the individual’s SEP ends for that plan year, and the individual will be limited to making changes only during other applicable election periods (e.g., annual enrollment period or another valid SEP). Individuals will be able to enroll in 5-star plans directly through the plan, through 1-800- MEDICARE or Medicare.gov. Plans that have received an overall 5-star rating will be required to accept these SEP requests, similar to any other SEP or initial enrollment for a newly eligible individual, unless the plan is closed per a CMS-approved capacity limit. To find rating information, visit Medicare.gov to compare plans. The ratings will be available on Plan Finder October 8. October 2013

Low-Performing Medicare Plans Plans that receive a summary rating of less than 3-Stars for at least 3 years in a row Ratings are on Medicare Plan Finder Medicare & You doesn’t have full, updated ratings Low-performing plans No online enrollment for low-performing plans No enrollment through 1-800-MEDICARE Must contact plan directly to enroll Enrolled beneficiaries can call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask to move to a higher quality plan In an effort to assist in guiding beneficiaries towards selecting higher performing plans, we will disable the MPF online enrollment function for Medicare health and prescription drug plans with the low-performing plan icon for CY2014 plan enrollments. Beneficiaries who still want to enroll in a low-performing plan will be warned, via explanatory messaging of the plan’s poorly rated performance, and directed to contact the plan directly to enroll. NOTE: There are currently plan types (SNP and Cost Plans) that are not required to accept online enrollments through the Plan Finder. In these cases, beneficiaries are similarly directed to contact the plan to enroll. In 2014, CMS will issue notices to individuals enrolled in low performing plans, alerting them to the organization’s low rating and offering an opportunity to contact CMS to request an SEP to move into a higher quality plan. These notices represent part of our ongoing effort to meet our obligation to provide beneficiaries with information that will help them make a plan election that best meets their needs and represents the best value for the Medicare program. CMS requires plan sponsors with lower than a 3-star rating to make timely and effective corrective action plans. This policy takes effect with plan year ratings in 2014. Beginning in 2015, CMS may terminate contracts with plans that have been consistently unable to maintain a 3-star rating. Low performing plans should expect CMS to initiate action to terminate their contracts following: 1) publication of annual plan ratings that assign the organization its third consecutive summary rating of less than three stars; and 2) confirmation that the data used to calculate the star ratings reflect the sponsor’s substantial non-compliance with Part C or Part D requirements. Contact 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to change from a low performing plan in this Special Enrollment Period. October 2013

Medicare Open Enrollment 2013 2. Contact the Plan Plan sites have the most comprehensive information Unlike Medicare Plan Finder, you can’t compare other plans Call plan or check their website On Medicare Plan Finder Contact information in Medicare & You handbook Phone number Web address Plans have the most comprehensive information Can’t compare other plans Call plan or check their website On Medicare Plan Finder Contact information in Medicare & You handbook Phone number Web address October 2013 Medicare Open Enrollment 2013

3. Medicare & You Handbook Has basic plan information Mailed each fall to beneficiary households Good for quick comparison Plan information not comprehensive Only one quality rating Mailed September 16 CMS Product No. 10050 For more basic plan information use the Medicare & You handbook Mailed each fall to beneficiary households Good for quick comparison The information in the handbook is not as comprehensive so check the plan’s website or Plan Finder for additional information NOTE: The star ratings listed in the Medicare & You handbook are the percent of people who rated their plan as the best. It cannot be used for the purpose of the 5-Star Special Enrollment Period. Note: The star rating in the handbook is the percent of people who rated their plan as the best. October 2013 Medicare Open Enrollment 2013

Medicare Open Enrollment 2013 Say “Medicare Number” if available Say “Agent” if it is not Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Support is offered in 150 languages Tell customer service representative preferred language TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) When the Medicare number is available, say “Medicare Number” when prompted. If you have the Medicare number, there are a number of self-service opportunities available in the automated system for beneficiaries. Self-service will allow you to obtain information without speaking to a Customer Service Representative (CSR). Self-service is a more expedient process. Also, saying or entering the Medicare number helps reduce the wait time and allows them to hear specific messages. CSRs will have beneficiary specific information available on their desktop when the call arrives allowing for quicker services. If the Medicare Number is not available, say “Agent.” Help is available 24 hours a day, including weekends. If you need help in a language other than English or Spanish, let the customer service representative know the language. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. October 2013 Medicare Open Enrollment 2013

5. State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) Program for people with Medicare And their families Free personalized counseling and assistance Funded through Federal grants to states Find your local SHIP contact Look at the back of your Medicare & You handbook Check the web at Medicare.gov/contacts Call 1-800-MEDICARE You can get free personalized health insurance counseling by calling your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). The State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP is a national program that offers one-on-one counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families. Through Federal grants directed to states, SHIPs provide free counseling and assistance via telephone and face-to-face interactive sessions, public education presentations and programs, and media activities. To get the phone number for the SHIP in your state, look at the back of your Medicare & You handbook, visit Medicare.gov/contacts, or call 1-800-MEDICARE. Medicare Open Enrollment 2013 October 2013

Medicare Open Enrollment 2013 How to Join a New Plan May be able to enroll in Medicare Health Plan or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan by Paper Application Calling the Plan Enrolling on the plan’s website or on Medicare.gov Calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) TTY users call 1-877-486-2048 Enrolling in a new plan will disenroll you from your previous plan There are several different ways that you may be able to enroll in a Medicare Health Plan or Medicare Prescription Drug, including: Complete and mail a paper application Call the plan Enroll on the plan’s website or on Medicare.gov Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY users 1-877-486-2048 Enrolling in a new MA or PDP plan will automatically disenroll you from your previous plan. This includes MA-only HMO and PPO plans.  However, there are limited exceptions for members of MA-only PFFS, Cost and MSA plans . Medicare Open Enrollment 2013 October 2013

If You Have Other Coverage IMPORTANT If you have other coverage, like from an employer or union Check with your plan’s benefits administrator before making any changes to your coverage Otherwise, you could lose coverage for you and your dependents IMPORTANT: If you have other coverage, like employer or union coverage, check with your plan’s benefits administrator before making any changes to your coverage. Otherwise, you could lose coverage for you and your dependents. October 2013

Medicare Open Enrollment 2013 Your Medicare Choices Original Medicare May add Medigap (Medicare supplement insurance) May add Medicare prescription drug coverage Medicare Advantage Plans With or without Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Other Medicare Health Plans Like Cost Plans, Medicare Medical Savings Accounts and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Plans You have choices as to how you want to have your Medicare benefits covered: Original Medicare Many beneficiaries choose to purchase a Medigap (Medicare supplement insurance) policy to help cover the expenses they are responsible for after Medicare pays Many beneficiaries also choose to enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to help cover the cost of their medications Medicare Advantage Plans With or without Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Other Medicare Health Plans Like Cost Plans, Medicare Medical Savings Accounts, and Programs of All- Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Plans October 2013 Medicare Open Enrollment 2013

Medigap and Open Enrollment If you drop a Medicare Advantage (MA) Plan and join Original Medicare during the Open Enrollment Period There is no guarantee that an insurance company will sell you a Medigap policy You may have to meet medical underwriting requirements Unless you have a guaranteed issue right Example: If your MA Plan leaves Medicare Contact Medigap insurers in your area to see what might be available to you If you drop a Medicare Advantage (MA) Plan and join Original Medicare during the Open Enrollment period There is no guarantee that an insurance company will sell you a Medigap policy You may have to meet medical underwriting requirements Unless you have a guaranteed issue right Example: If your MA Plan leaves Medicare Contact Medigap insurers in your area to see what might be available to you NOTE: More information about Medigap policies is in “Choosing a Medigap Policy: Guide to Insurance for People with Medicare” available at Medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/02110.pdf October 2013

Medigap and Open Enrollment You have a special right to buy a Medigap policy called a guaranteed issue right If your Medicare Advantage Plan doesn’t renew If you join Original Medicare when this happens If you are 65 or older Lasts 60 days before to 63 days after your coverage ends If you’re under 65, you may not be able to buy a Medigap policy until you turn 65. Check with your State Health Insurance Assistance Program or State Insurance Department You have a special right to buy a Medigap policy called a guaranteed issue right if: Your Medicare Advantage Plan does not renew and, You join Original Medicare and, You are 65 or older There are time restrictions and other limitations that you should be aware of such as: A guaranteed issue right lasts from 60 days before to 63 days after your coverage ends when you meet the conditions described above. If you’re under 65, you may not be able to buy a Medigap policy until you turn 65. Check with your State Health Insurance Assistance Program or State Insurance Department October 2013

Medicare Advantage Plans and Open Enrollment If you are in a Medicare Advantage (MA) Plan You can switch to another MA Plan by joining a new MA plan You will be automatically disenrolled from your old plan You can switch back to Original Medicare by joining a stand-alone Medicare drug plan If you do you should consider/see if you can get a Medigap policy REMEMBER: If you have other health or drug coverage, like from an employer or union, check with your benefits administrator before you make any changes to your coverage. If you are in a Medicare Advantage (MA) Plan You can switch to another MA Plan by joining a new MA plan You will be automatically disenrolled from your old plan You can switch back to Original Medicare by joining a stand-alone Medicare drug plan If you do you need to consider/see if you can get a Medigap policy REMEMBER: If you have other health or drug coverage, like from an employer or union, check with your benefits administrator before you make any changes to your coverage. October 2013

Leaving a Medicare Advantage Plan Between January 1–February 14 You can leave an MA plan and switch to Original Medicare If you make this change, you may also join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to add drug coverage Coverage begins the first of the month after the plan gets enrollment form Check whether you could get a Medigap policy Between January 1–February 14, you can leave an MA plan and switch to Original Medicare If you make this change, you may also join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to add drug coverage Coverage begins the first of the month after the plan gets the enrollment form Check to see if you would be able to get a Medigap (Medicare supplement insurance) policy to help pay the gaps in Original Medicare coverage. You might have limited or no options depending on the state you live in. October 2013

Need a Rx Before Getting Your Membership Materials Take as much information to the pharmacy/provider as possible, including Red, white, and blue Medicare card A photo ID An acknowledgement or confirmation letter, or an enrollment confirmation number from the plan If enrollment can’t be confirmed, can pay out-of- pocket and work with the plan to be reimbursed Medicaid card or letter showing eligibility for Extra Help With the Open Enrollment Period beginning in October, most people will have their membership materials before January 1. However, the first time you use your new Medicare drug plan, you should come to the pharmacy with as much information as possible, especially if you need to use your new coverage before you receive a plan membership card. Here’s what you need to bring to the pharmacy: Your red, white, and blue Medicare card A photo ID Your plan membership card, if you have one If you don’t have a plan membership card, you can bring an acknowledgement or confirmation letter from the plan if you have one, or an enrollment confirmation number from the plan. (Note: Only confirmation numbers from the plan will work, not those from Medicare’s Online Enrollment Center at Medicare.gov on the web). If you haven’t received a plan membership card or any plan enrollment materials, let the provider/pharmacist know the name of the Medicare health or drug plan you joined. Bring your Medicaid card if you have one, or a letter from your state Medicaid program, or the Social Security Administration that shows you are eligible for Extra Help. October 2013

Medicare Open Enrollment 2013 Reassignment Process Each Fall, CMS reassigns Low Income Subsidy (LIS) (Extra Help) beneficiaries with 100% premium subsidy to a new Medicare plan if Plan is terminating Plan premium increases Over regional LIS premium subsidy amount or Converting to enhanced benefit Reassignment is random Basic plans only People who chose their current plan won’t be reassigned Each Fall, CMS reassigns certain Low Income Subsidy (LIS) (Extra Help) beneficiaries with 100% premium subsidy to a new PDP. This is to ensure that LIS beneficiaries maximize their resources, and use the subsidy. PDP is terminating PDP premium increase Over regional LIS premium subsidy amount Converting to enhanced benefit Medicare Advantage plan terminating and member has LIS but no PDP enrollment Reassignments are placed into new benchmarked plans randomly The newly assigned plans are basic plans only People who chose their current plan won’t be reassigned. NOTE: If a Part D plan offering basic prescription drug coverage has a monthly premium amount that exceeds the low-income subsidy benchmark amount by a de minimis amount, and the Part D plan volunteers to waive that de minimis amount, then CMS will not reassign the low-income subsidy eligible beneficiaries who are currently enrolled in that plan. The de minimis amount is set by CMS each year. Will not lose Low Income Subsidy - members to reassign Will be listed as a $0 premium plan Will not receive auto-enrollees October 2013 Medicare Open Enrollment 2013

Non-Renewing Medicare Plans Sometimes plans don’t renew all of their plans Usually based on the plans’ business decisions Or on CMS sanctions or contract terminations You may join another Medicare Advantage or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Plans must notify members affected No later than the beginning of October (90 days before the end of the year) Those affected get Special Enrollment Period October 15, 2013 – February 28, 2014 Sometimes plans don’t renew all of their plans. This is usually based on the plans’ business decisions. Sometimes Medicare takes an official action (called a “sanction”) because of a problem with the plan that affects you. You can switch from your Medicare Advantage or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to another plan. Your chance to switch is determined by Medicare on a case-by-case basis. Sometimes Medicare ends (terminates) your plan’s contract. You can switch from your Medicare Advantage or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to another plan. Your chance to switch lasts until one full month after Medicare ends the plan’s contract. Your Medicare Advantage Plan, Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, or Medicare Cost Plan’s contract is not renewed. You may join another Medicare Advantage or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan between October 15 and February 28, 2014. If you join a plan between October 15 and December 31, your coverage will be effective January 1, 2014. If you enroll between January 1, 2014 and February 28, 2014, your coverage will be effective the first of the following month. Per regulatory requirements, plans must notify CMS about non-renewal decisions by the first Monday in June. People affected no later than the beginning of October (90 days before the end of the year). Those affected get a Special Enrollment Period, which begins on October 15, 2013 and ends on February 28, 2014. October 2013 Medicare Open Enrollment 2013

Medicare Open Enrollment 2013 Beneficiary Notices Terminating Medicare Prescription Drug Plans Medicare Advantage Plan Termination Prescription Drug Plan Premium Increase “Choosers” Reassignment Formulary Notice See Appendix A for complete list Prescription Drug Plan Premium Increase Medicare Advantage Plan Termination Terminating Medicare Prescription Drug Plans “Choosers” Reassignment Formulary Notice See Appendix A for complete list October 2013 Medicare Open Enrollment 2013

Prescription Drug Plan Premium Increase CMS sends letter in late October on BLUE PAPER version 2 Current plan’s premiums increasing over LIS benchmark, or converting to enhanced plan Reassigned to new plan effective January 1, 2014 Unless they join a new plan by December 31, 2013 Action Keep the notice Compare new 2014 plan with others Can choose to change plans CMS sends letter in late October. BLUE PAPER version 2 The letter informs auto-enrollees that because their current Medicare drug plan premium is increasing above the regional LIS premium subsidy amount, they will be reassigned to a new Medicare drug plan effective January 1, 2014, unless they join a new plan on their own by December 31, 2013. Action Keep the notice Compare new 2014 plan with others Can choose to change plans October 2013

Medicare Advantage Plan Termination CMS sends letter in late October/early November BLUE PAPER version 3 Current plan is leaving Medicare Program Health coverage will revert back to Original Medicare If LIS, reassigned to a PDP plan effective January 1, 2014 Unless they join a new plan by December 31, 2013 Action Keep the notice Compare new 2014 plan with others Can choose to change plans CMS sends letter in late October/early November. BLUE PAPER version 3 The letter informs auto-enrollees that because their current Medicare drug plan premium is increasing above the regional LIS premium subsidy amount, they will be reassigned to a new Medicare drug plan effective January 1, 2014, unless they join a new plan on their own by December 31, 2013. Action Keep the notice Compare new 2014 plan with others Can choose to change plans October 2013

Terminating Medicare Prescription Drug Plans CMS sends letter in late October BLUE PAPER version 1 Current plan is leaving Medicare Program Reassigned to new plan effective January 1, 2014 Unless they join a new plan by December 31, 2013 Action Keep the notice Compare new 2014 plan with others Can choose to change plans CMS sends letter in late October. BLUE PAPER version 1 The letter informs auto-enrollees that because their current Medicare drug plan premium is increasing above the regional LIS premium subsidy amount, they will be reassigned to a new Medicare drug plan effective January 1, 2014, unless they join a new plan on their own by December 31, 2013. Action Keep the notice Compare new 2014 plan with others Can choose to change plans October 2013

“Choosers” People who have Low Income Subsidy (LIS) with 100% premium subsidy Chose current plan AND Have premium liability in 2014 >$0 Does not include Choosers in benchmark plans that remain below benchmark LIS people with partial subsidies (75%, 50%, or 25%) CMS conducts outreach instead of reassignment Will receive TAN letter A “Chooser” is someone who chose the plan they are in, as opposed to someone who was automatically assigned by Medicare because they get Extra Help. Low Income Subsidy (LIS) with 100% premium subsidy Chose current plan AND Have premium liability in 2014>$0 Does not include Choosers in benchmark plans that remain below benchmark LIS people with partial subsidies (75%, 50%, or 25%) CMS conducts outreach instead of reassignment with tan letter October 2013

“Choosers” Outreach Notices In the Spring (April) New this year, but will be sent out from now on Reminder that there are $0 premium plans available Printed on TAN paper In the Fall (October) Informs of the premium liability Responsible for paying a portion unless they join a new plan Action May want to look for a new plan Compare current plan with others Can choose to change plans In the Spring (April) New this year, but will be sent out from now on Reminder that there are $0 premium plans available Printed on TAN paper In the Fall (October) Informs of the premium liability Responsible for paying a portion unless they join a new plan Action May want to look for a new plan Compare current plan with others Can choose to change plans October 2013

Reassignment Formulary Notice CMS sends letter in December BLUE PAPER version 4 Sent to people affected by reassignment Summarizes which Part D-covered drugs they took in 2013 will or will not be covered by their new Medicare drug plan for 2014 Unless they join a new plan by December 31, 2013 Action Keep the notice Compare new 2014 plan with others Can choose to change plans CMS sends letter in December. BLUE PAPER version 4 The letter informs people who get Extra Help and were affected by reassignment which of the Part D-covered drugs they took in 2013 will or will not be covered by their new 2014 Medicare drug plan (unless they join a new plan on their own by December 31, 2013). Action Keep the notice Compare new 2014 plan with others Can choose to change plans October 2013

Medicare and the Health Insurance Marketplace Messages in the media are increasing about the new Health Insurance Marketplace People with Medicare may become confused and think they need to enroll in a Marketplace plan People with Medicare are covered and the Marketplace will not require them to do anything different with their Medicare Messages in the media increasing about the new Health Insurance Marketplace People with Medicare may become confused and think they need to enroll in a Marketplace plan People with Medicare are covered and the Marketplace will not require them to do anything different with their Medicare. October 2013

Medicare and Marketplace Key Messages Your Medicare benefits aren’t changing Marketplace does not affect your Medicare coverage Medicare is not part of the Marketplace Medicare Open Enrollment is the time to review your health/drug plans Protect your personal information See Appendix B for Medicare/Marketplace frequently asked questions (FAQs) Your Medicare benefits aren’t changing Marketplace does not affect your Medicare coverage Medicare is not part of the Marketplace Medicare Open Enrollment is the time to review your health/drug plans Protect your personal information See Appendix B for the Medicare and Marketplace frequently asked questions (FAQs) October 2013

Medicare Open Enrollment 2013 Resources Landscape of plans CMS.HHS.gov/PrescriptionDrugCovGenIn/ Plan Finder Medicare.gov/find-a-plan/questions/home.aspx Medicare & You handbook Medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/10050.pdf State Health Insurance Assistance Program Medicare.gov/contacts 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) Open Enrollment Resource Page – CMS.gov/center/openenrollment.asp Landscape plans – CMS.hhs.gov/PrescriptionDrugCovGenIn/ Plan Finder Tool – Medicare.gov/find-a-plan/questions/home.aspx Medicare & You handbook – Medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/10050.pdf State Health Insurance Assistance Programs - Medicare.gov/contacts 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) October 2013 Medicare Open Enrollment 2013

Resources (Continued) Open Enrollment Center on cms.gov at CMS.gov/Center/Special-Topic/Open- Enrollment-Center.html Download poster, drop-in articles, publications View public service announcement scripts Product ordering website at Productordering.cms.hhs.gov/ Poster, sticker, conference card The CMS product number for the poster is 11573, the sticker is 11574, and the conference card is 11572. Also available for downloading on Medicare.gov/publications. October 2013

Additional Medicare Publications CMS Product Number Things to Think About When You Compare Medicare Drug Coverage 11163 Choose Higher Quality for Better Health Care 11226 Have You Done Your Yearly Medicare Plan Review? 11220 Understanding Medicare Enrollment Periods 11219 Withholding Medicare Rx Premium from your Social Security Payment 11400 There are publications to help ensure that your plan meets your needs for the next year. Medicare Publications Things to Think About When You Compare Medicare Drug Coverage – CMS Product No. 11163 Choose Higher Quality for Better Health Care – CMS Product No. 11226 Have You Done Your Yearly Medicare Plan Review? – CMS Product No. 11220 Understanding Medicare Enrollment Periods– CMS Product No. 11219 Withholding Medicare Prescription Drug Premiums from your Social Security Payment– CMS Product No. 11400 These are available to read or download from Medicare.gov. Available on Medicare.gov October 2013

Appendix A This list shows the consumer mailings sent from CMS, Social Security, and Plans to people with Medicare. As of July 19, 2013. Electronic version available at www.cms.hhs.gov/LimitedIncomeandResources/Downloads/2013Mailings.pdf October 2013

Appendix A As of July 19, 2013. Electronic version available at www.cms.hhs.gov/LimitedIncomeandResources/Downloads/2013Mailings.pdf October 2013

Appendix A As of July 19, 2013. Electronic version available at www.cms.hhs.gov/LimitedIncomeandResources/Downloads/2013Mailings.pdf October 2013

Appendix A As of July 19, 2013. Electronic version available at www.cms.hhs.gov/LimitedIncomeandResources/Downloads/2013Mailings.pdf October 2013

Appendix A As of July 19, 2013. Electronic version available at www.cms.hhs.gov/LimitedIncomeandResources/Downloads/2013Mailings.pdf October 2013

Frequently Asked Questions Appendix B People with Medicare and the Health Insurance Marketplace Frequently Asked Questions October 2013

Frequently Asked Questions Appendix B People with Medicare and the Health Insurance Marketplace Frequently Asked Questions October 2013

Frequently Asked Questions Appendix B People with Medicare and the Health Insurance Marketplace Frequently Asked Questions October 2013

This training module is provided by the CMS National Training Program This training module is provided by the CMS National Training Program. For questions about training products, e-mail training@cms.hhs.gov. To view all available CMS National Training Program materials or to subscribe to our e-mail list, visit CMS.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Training/ CMSNationalTrainingProgram.