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Medicare 2022 Open Enrollment

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Medicare Supplemental Plan F phased out for newly Medicare eligible? With the new 2022 open enrollment changes, it’s time to get the facts. Considering making changes to your coverage this fall or just want to learn more about this enrollment period?

During the Medicare open enrollment period – which runs from October 15 through December 7 – you can make a variety of changes (none of which involve medical underwriting):

  • Switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare or vice versa.
  • Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
  • Switch from one Part D prescription plan to another.
  • Join a Medicare Part D plan.
  • Drop your Part D coverage altogether.

1. Medicare Supplement Plans F and C are still available

While the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) will no longer allow newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries to enroll in Medigap plans F and C, these plans aren’t disappearing completely. If you become eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2021 (and that’s everyone who can use the 2021 fall Medicare Open Enrollment Period), you can apply for these plans now and in the future—even if you aren’t already enrolled in Medigap.

If you become eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, you won’t be able to enroll in Plans F or C now or in the future.

 

2. The Part D ‘donut hole’ will close

In 2022, you’ll enter the donut hole when your spending + your plan’s spending reaches $4,430. And you leave the donut hole — and enter the catastrophic coverage level — when your spending + manufacturer discounts reach $7,050. Both of these amounts are higher than they were in 2021, and generally increase each year.  Learn more about Part D.

3. Changes in Medicare Advantage and Part D plans

Every year, insurers make small changes to their Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. Typically, these changes include changes in premiums, deductibles, and other costs. Keep in mind, the Medicare program may not finalize these changes until right before fall Open Enrollment.

See the latest Medicare premiums and deductibles now or come back in October. We’ll share finalized changes as soon as they become available.

Refresh your general Medicare knowledge

While the Medicare program changes a bit each year, much of it stays the same. It never hurts to refresh your Medicare knowledge. We recommend starting with an Overview of Medicare. This Medicare Glossary could come in handy, too, as you read through insurance documents.  See 

CMS Releases 2022 Projected Medicare Part D Average Premium

 

4. Medicare B Increases 

Medicare Part B premiums increased this year by about 2.7% or $4 per month and high-income surcharges also rose modestly in 2021. For 2022 the Standard Part B premiums are projected to be $158.50/month from $148.50/month in 2021 or a 6.7% increase.

The wealthiest senior couples will be paying more than $12,000 a year in Medicare Part B premiums. Part B (the base and the surcharge) covers doctors’ and outpatient services. Medicare Part B Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts.

5. Part B deductible also increased for 2021, and will increase again in 2022

Medicare B also has a deductible, which increased to $203 in 2021, up from $198 in 2020. For 2022, the Part B deductible is projected to be $217. The Medicare Part B deductible only has to be paid once per year, unlike the Part A deductible, which has to be paid once per benefit period.

 

 Do you have to renew your plan?

If you’re happy with your Medicare coverage, there’s no need to do anything during Medicare Open Enrollment. Provided your current plan is available next year, your coverage will auto-renew.

Although you could let Open Enrollment pass right on by without having to lift a finger, we recommend doing two things this fall to optimize your Medicare coverage.

1. Read Medicare Mailers

If your plan is discontinued next year, you’ll receive a notice in the mail. If you miss this notice and fail to enroll in other coverage, you could lose your coverage.

If your plan continues in the following year, your insurer will send you an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). Look over your ANOC carefully to make sure your plan will still meet your needs next year. If not, its time to consider other options.

 

No matter how you feel about your current plan, it’s usually a good idea to do a little shopping around during Open Enrollment. Since plans and premiums change annually, options that fit your situation even better than your current coverage could pop up. But if you don’t check, you’ll never know.

Know These Dates

OCT 15 - DEC 7

OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD for Medicare Advanatage and Medicare Part D Prescription Drug coverage.  All individuals with Medicare can change their Medicare health plan and prescription drug coevrage for the next year. 

JAN 1 - FEB 14

MEDICARE ADVANTAGE DISENROLLMENT PERIOD. Those with MA plans (Part C) can leave the plan and switch to original Medicare.

JAN 1 - DEC 31

MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT (Medigap) plans can be purchaded year-round but may require answering health questions to determine eligibility.  

Total Number of Million Medicare Beneficiaries. Source: Kaiser Family Foundation

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