2024 Medicare Open Enrollment Period Offers Chance To Stay Ahead Of Costly Part D Changes
Open Enrollment is one of the most important times for Medicare beneficiaries. However, just 3 in 10 beneficiaries review their coverage every year.
That’s why Medicare could probably use an early warning system. When a storm develops that has the potential to become a hurricane, this integrated system identifies and forecasts the risk, of hazard monitoring, communicates the danger and helps people get ready to take appropriate action, including evacuation, if necessary. A hurricane can be devastating for those in its path but it also has a significant impact on many others, including first responders, volunteers, and reconstruction workers.
In the world of Medicare, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is making significant changes. The changes themselves are not adverse and, in fact, many Medicare beneficiaries welcome them. However, just as with a hurricane, these changes will affect many with Part D prescription drug coverage who do not benefit directly from them. We’ve already seen some of the early impact.
During last fall’s Open Enrollment Period, Diane Omdahl, a nationally acclaimed Medicare expert, reviewed 65 plans in three ZIP codes and identified the impact of two IRA initiatives: elimination of Catastrophic Coverage coinsurance and premium stabilization. If you have a Part D plan, you will want to read her analysis of the impact of the IRA on your drug insurance.