MultiCare hotline helps navigate Medicare open enrollment

Open enrollment for 2021 Medicare coverage starts Oct. 15, and continues through Dec. 7.

During the annual enrollment period (AEP) those who are newly eligible for Medicare (i.e., you turned 65 within the last year) can enroll for Medicare coverage. If you already have Medicare coverage, you can use the annual enrollment period to make changes to various aspects of your coverage, such as:

• Switching from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or vice versa. (Note that if you want to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must meet some basic criteria.)
• Switching from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or from one Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan to another.

If you didn’t enroll in a Medicare Part D plan when you were first eligible, you can also do so during general open enrollment, although a late enrollment penalty may apply.

Confused yet? Whether you are new to Medicare or have had Medicare coverage for several years, the enrollment process can be complex and challenging to navigate alone.

To help patients through this process, MultiCare offers patients a free Medicare Plan Comparison and Enrollment Helpline, facilitated by Fletcher Financial, an independent insurance agency that specializes in Medicare and assists patients with unbiased Medicare plan comparisons and enrollment.

What services does the helpline provide?

Helpline agents help callers learn about the various Medicare health insurance options including traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement and Medicare Prescription Drug plans.

The agent reviews each plan’s costs and benefits and will discuss which plans will allow current MultiCare patients to continue to visit and see MultiCare providers, so that your ongoing care is not interrupted or delayed. The agent can then assist you with the actual enrollment process, making it as easy and hassle free as possible.

How can I access the Medicare Helpline?

To reach the Medicare Plan Comparison and Enrollment Helpline, call 888-383-0685, Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm.