Medicare Advantage open enrollment period begins, consultation appointments available

Navigating Medicare and Medicaid can be confusing, but at Missoula Aging Services, experienced Resource Center staff are available to help people compare plans and save money on prescriptions.

Following Medicare Open Enrollment each fall, the Medicare Advantage Plan Open Enrollment period begins for Medicare beneficiaries who are on a Medicare Advantage Plan. Medicare Advantage Plans are a type of Medicare health plan offered by a private company that contracts with Medicare to provide Part A and Part B benefits. In Missoula County, Medicare Advantage Plans also offer prescription drug coverage, so Medicare Advantage participants do not need a separate Part D plan. 

This special Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment period runs from January 1st through March 31st each year and is for anyone enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage), who wants to switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage). This is also the time Medicare Advantage Plan beneficiaries can drop their Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare or join a separate Medicare drug plan.   

“It is crucial that people take advantage of this opportunity to evaluate their Medicare Advantage Plans during this Open Enrollment period. If you are concerned that your Medicare Advantage Plan may not be working well for you, now is the time to review all your options. We urge everyone to take a look at their plans and schedule a consultation with our team if they have any questions or concerns,” shares Kate Cotnoir, Resource Center Manager for the Agency. 

The Resource Center at Missoula Aging Services is standing by to help take the guesswork out of finding the plan that is right for each person’s needs. Offering Resource Center appointments in both Seeley Lake and Missoula throughout the year, hosting monthly New to Medicare virtual workshops, and Open Enrollment consultations for both enrollment periods, Missoula Aging Services is ready to help people navigate their Medicare options. To find out more or to schedule a no-cost Medicare consultation, please visit the Agency’s website or call (406) 728-7682.

About Missoula Aging Services: Missoula Aging Services promotes the independence, dignity and health of older adults and those who care for them. For 40 years, Missoula Aging Services has empowered thousands of older adults, their families and caregivers through programs, services, volunteer opportunities and education to continue to live independently at home, for as long as possible.Find out more: missoulaagingservices.org