It’s open enrollment time for those using the Health Insurance Marketplace or Medicare. The enrollment period ends on December 7th for Medicare and January 15th for the marketplace.
There are 174 different plans available in the marketplace and costs have been reduced due to federal subsidies.
Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox said, “Many people worry it is either too expensive or too complicated to sign up for a health plan. Fortunately, Michigan remains one of the least expensive states in the country to purchase health insurance and there is free, local enrollment help available by visiting LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov or calling 800-318-2596.”
Fox also warns seniors to be on the lookout for Medicare scams. She says to be wary of unsolicited calls, door-to-door sales and flyers, and people who say they are “from Medicare”. Even mail that looks like it could be from the government should be inspected to see if it’s legitimate.
Medicare recipients do not need to give their Medicare ID number to anyone unless they are actually enrolling in a plan, according to Fox.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
