Time still remains for seniors to make changes to their Medicare health insurance plans for the upcoming year.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts says quite often, people on Medicare advantage plans need to make adjustments for several reasons – like a doctor retiring, a change in health or simply because they picked the wrong plan. This has been described as "buyer's remorse."
In 2021, the state reported more than 362,000 residents were enrolled in group and individual Medicare wrap and Medicare advantage plans. Through March, buyers can make changes during the Medicare advantage enrollment period.
"What they can do is switch to a different Medicare advantage plan, even to another company or within the same company,” said Heather Hurd, medical field outreach consultant for Blue Cross. “Or, they can dis-enroll from that Medicare advantage plan and go back onto traditional original Medicare. And then they can buy what are called Medicare supplements and Medicare part D plans."
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts says there are counselors to help at senior centers around the state.
The Medicare advantage enrollment period runs until March 31.