This article was originally posted by the FTC. See the original article here.

Medicare

The Medicare Open Enrollment deadline of December 7, 2021 is fast approaching. If you’re on Medicare, now is the time to review your health and prescription drug coverage and compare it with other plans to make sure you have a plan that best meets your needs for 2022. Coverage changes take effect January 1, 2022.

You can get help comparing Medicare plans from your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), available in each U.S. state, territory, and the District of Columbia.

Private insurance companies administer, market, and sell Medicare Advantage (MA, Part C) and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D), so it’s important to understand your rights and some of the limits on marketing. That way you’ll be prepared if an insurance broker or agent tries to enroll you in a Medicare plan that isn’t right for you. To learn more, read Avoid marketing scams during 2022 Medicare Open Enrollment.

Healthcare Marketplace

Open enrollment for 2022 health plans in the Healthcare Marketplace continues through January 15, 2022, but if you want your coverage to start January 1, 2022, you need to enroll by December 15, 2021. If you enroll between December 16, 2021 and January 15, 2022, your coverage will start on February 1, 2022.

Make sure any plan you’re considering actually gives you the coverage you seek. Dishonest companies sometimes market medical discount plans or health plans with limited insurance benefits, as comprehensive health insurance. And sometimes they just lie about the “health plans” they offer. To learn more, read This open season, is that really the health insurance you’re looking for?

If you spot a scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The more we hear from you, the more we can help fight scams. If the scam is Medicare related, report it at 1-800-MEDICARE.

Brought to you by Dr. Ware, Microsoft Office 365 Silver Partner, Charleston SC.