Medicare open enrollment runs
November-December

Open enrollment for Medicare-eligible individuals will run from November 15 – December 31, with enrollment changes taking effect on January 1, 2008.

During open enrollment, Medicare-eligible individuals may enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan (a Medicare-approved plan that provides Medicare Parts A and B benefits along with additional coverage) for the first time, change Medicare Advantage plans, return to original Medicare or change prescription drug plans.

Michigan Retailers offers Medicare Plus Blue, a Medicare Advantage plan with four plan options to suit the various needs and budgets of Medicare-eligible individuals. It is a Medicare-approved private fee-for-service plan that combines coverage for hospital and doctor visits with prescription drug coverage. Participants can go to any doctor or hospital that accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan plans.

If you or a spouse, loved one or employee is 65 or older, or eligible for Medicare under other circumstances, one of the four Medicare Plus Blue plan options could offer important advantages, according to Linda Pollock, MRA’s insurance representative.

Many benefits are available with Medicare Plus Blue, including:

• Keep your own doctor (Medical providers must be willing to give you care and accept the terms of your plan’s payment.)

• No referrals to see specialists

• Lab and radiology services

• Coverage for physicals and preventive exams

• Virtually no paperwork

• One ID card for health and drug coverage

For more information about Medicare Plus Blue, call MRA’s Linda Pollock at 800.366.3699.