Comprehensive Cancer Centers gets you up-to-speed about everything you need to know during open enrollment to empower you to make the best choice with coverage.
Every fall, Comprehensive Cancer Centers shares with patients and the public the importance of taking time to select the right plan during open enrollment. The practice knows that patients are counting on Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans to make sure the coverage they have provides access to the plan they want and need.
Open enrollment for Medicare runs from October 15 to December 7. For quick reference, Comprehensive is a participating provider in the following Medicare Advantage plans:
- Alignment Health Plan Medicare Advantage HMO
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Medicare Advantage PPO
- Astrana Care Partners of Nevada Medicare Advantage
- Cigna Medicare Advantage
- Molina Healthcare
- United Healthcare Group Medicare Advantage PPO
- AARP Medicare Advantage PPO from United Healthcare
- AARP Medicare Advantage PPO from United Healthcare Patriot
- AARP Medicare Advantage PPO Giveback from United Healthcare
For those not automatically enrolled in a plan, open enrollment is often the only time to sign up for or modify coverage unless they qualify for a special enrollment period due to specific life events.
Why Should I Care About Open Enrollment?
Unfortunately, many people don’t take the time to review insurance options and find out what’s covered, what’s not covered, and which care providers are included in the plans or not. Choosing the right healthcare plan is vital for many reasons. This can include protecting against financial hardship and/or paying out-of-pocket for treatments. Comprehensive breaks down what open enrollment entails and why choosing the right healthcare plan is essential.
What is Open Enrollment?
Open enrollment is a set period, generally once a year, where individuals can select, change, or cancel their health insurance plans. Open enrollment dates vary depending on the type of health insurance coverage:
- Health Insurance Marketplace (ACA Plans): Open enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace, established under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), usually takes place from November to mid-December, with some states extending this period.
- Employer-Sponsored Insurance: Employers set their open enrollment periods, typically in the fall, to allow time for the new coverage to begin at the start of the calendar year.
- Medicare: As noted earlier, open enrollment for Medicare runs from October 15 to December 7. During this period, Medicare beneficiaries can switch between Medicare Advantage and state Medicare, change Part D (prescription drug) plans, and make other adjustments.
Why is Choosing the Right Insurance Plan Important?
Choosing the right insurance plan requires a careful assessment of personal healthcare needs, preferred providers, and financial situations. Health insurance plans may have far-reaching implications for healthcare, finances, and overall quality of life.
Medical expenses can be unpredictable, and healthcare can be a significant financial burden. Without adequate health insurance, however, individuals may find themselves overwhelmed by out-of-pocket costs. This includes hospitalizations, surgeries, or even routine checkups and medications. The right health insurance can plan:
- Reduces Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Appropriate coverage limits, co-payments, and deductibles may help reduce out-of-pocket expenses for care. While higher premiums may mean lower out-of-pocket costs, they can save a significant amount in the event of serious health issues.
- Protects Against Catastrophic Expenses: Health issues like heart attacks, major accidents, or cancer treatments may lead to expenses that would be unmanageable without insurance coverage. Comprehensive plans protect individuals from catastrophic medical debt, which is a leading cause of personal bankruptcies in the U.S.
- Access to Quality Care – Plans can ensure individuals have access to quality care when they need it, without delays or excessive costs, and include the following:
- Network Considerations: Plans have different hospitals, doctors, and specialists they cover. Choosing a plan that includes preferred healthcare providers or specialists, like the team at Comprehensive Cancer, in the network is essential for continuity of care.
- Primary and Preventive Care: Preventive services are often covered at no additional cost and can help find health issues early and avoid more costly treatments later.
Coverage for Specific Health Needs – Some individuals have specific health needs requiring regular treatment, medications, or specialized care such as oncology. Selecting a plan that adequately covers these needs and can prevent gaps in coverage that lead to expensive bills.
Open enrollment for health plans, like Medicare, which again runs from October 15 to December 7, is a critical period for millions of Americans. They offer the chance to secure and adjust health coverage based on changing needs. Choosing the right healthcare plan is about more than just minimizing costs; it involves evaluating individual and family healthcare needs, balancing premiums and out-of-pocket costs, and ensuring that the plan includes preferred providers, like those at Comprehensive Cancer Centers, and necessary services. Take your time and be thoughtful when choosing these plans.
Comprehensive Cancer Centers Can Help
Physicians at Comprehensive Cancer Centers provide a variety of treatment options for patients with various cancer types. To learn more about insurance plans that have Comprehensive included, please call 702-952-3350 and aske to speak with a patient benefit representative.
The content is this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
