CDIS Blog
What CAN You Do During Medicare AEP?
Each fall, Medicare beneficiaries have an opportunity to review and adjust their coverage. Knowing your options during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) can help you save money and avoid surprises.
When is Medicare AEP?
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (also called Medicare Open Enrollment) runs every year from October 15 through December 7. Any changes you make take effect on January 1 of the following year.
What You CAN Do During AEP
• Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage (Part C): If you currently have Parts A & B, you can move into a Medicare Advantage plan, which may include extra benefits.
• Switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare: You may disenroll from your MA plan and return to Original Medicare. This may also allow you to apply for a Medigap policy, though acceptance isn’t always guaranteed outside certain periods.
• Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another: If your current plan’s coverage, costs, or provider network no longer fit your needs, AEP is your chance to find a better option.
• Enroll in, change, or drop a Medicare Part D plan: If your drug costs have increased or your prescriptions are no longer covered, you can review and update your plan. Even if satisfied, it’s smart to check annually — formularies often change.
• Switch from one Part D plan to another: Comparing premiums, deductibles, and pharmacy networks can help reduce out-of-pocket costs.
What You CAN’T Do During AEP
• Guarantee acceptance into a new Medigap plan unless you’re in a qualifying enrollment window.
• Change employer or union retiree coverage — those plans follow separate rules and timelines.
Why AEP Matters
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is your main chance to ensure your coverage matches your health and financial needs. Drug prices change, networks adjust, and health needs evolve. Spending just 30 minutes during AEP could save you hundreds in the coming year.
We’re Here to Help
Call 1-855-890-2583 to connect with an Education Specialist who can guide you through your Medicare AEP options and help you choose the right plan for your situation.
CDIS Blog
What Do Medicare Supplement ‘Plus’ Plans Cover?
These plans help fill Medicare’s coverage gaps — and some offer added perks.
Original Medicare only pays for about 80% of approved costs. A Medicare Supplement insurance policy (Medigap) helps with the rest. Some insurers also offer a “Plus” version, adding benefits you don’t find in standard Medigap plans. For those who value predictability, flexibility, and added value, a Medicare G Plus plan might be worth exploring.
What’s Covered In Standard Medicare Supplement Plans:
• Part A hospital costs & coinsurance: Up to an extra 365 days.
• Part B coinsurance/copayments: Often pays the 20% Medicare doesn’t.
• Blood (first 3 pints): Covers the initial pints needed.
• Skilled nursing facility coinsurance: Up to 100 days.
• Part A deductible & hospice coinsurance: Reduces out-of-pocket costs.
• Part B excess charges: Helps with charges above Medicare’s standard rates.
• Foreign travel emergencies: Often covers 80% up to certain limits.
What “Plus” Plans Add (Example For Select States):
• Dental: Exams, cleanings, fillings, and X-rays.
• Vision: Eye exams and allowances for glasses or contacts.
• Hearing: Hearing exams and discounts on hearing aids.
• Fitness: Programs like SilverSneakers.
• 24/7 nurse line: Speak with a nurse anytime.
Freedom & Flexibility Built In
• No network restrictions: See any doctor or hospital nationwide that takes Medicare.
• Guaranteed renewability: Your coverage won’t be dropped due to health.
• Predictable costs: Manage medical expenses without surprises.
CDIS Blog
When Can You Change Your Medicare Supplement Plan?
Apply to switch Medigap coverage any time — but timing affects your options.
You can technically apply to switch at any point. However, changing your Medicare Supplement plan might involve more scrutiny. Insurers could deny coverage based on your health history, charge higher premiums for pre-existing conditions, or impose waiting periods.
When You Have Guaranteed Issue Rights
There are special cases — usually within 63 days — when insurers must accept your application:
• You’re in your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (first 6 months of Part B at 65).
• Your Medicare Advantage plan is ending, leaving your area, or you’re moving back to Original Medicare.
• You’ve lost other coverage, like a retiree or employer plan.
• Your Medigap company misled you or went bankrupt.
Steps To Safely Switch Plans
1. Apply for the new plan first — don’t cancel your current one until approved.
2. Wait for confirmation, then set your start date.
3. Cancel your old plan in writing to avoid double bills.
When To Consider Switching
• You want lower premiums.
• You’re paying for extras you don’t use.
• You moved to a state with different plan costs.
• Your health or finances have changed.
Why It Matters
Whether you’re wondering “how do I change my Medicare Supplement plan?,” “can you change your Medicare Supplement plan?,” or “can you switch Medicare Supplement plans easily?,” the answer is yes — but with caution. Approval isn’t guaranteed unless you’re in a protected switch.
CDIS Blog
Understanding Your Core Medicare Coverage
Understand the foundational parts of Medicare:
Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): This covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care. Keep in mind that Part A has a deductible, and after 60 continuous days in the hospital, copays may apply.
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): This covers a range of outpatient medical services, including doctor visits, preventative care (like annual wellness exams), and durable medical equipment. Typically, Original Medicare (Part A and Part B combined) covers about 80% of these services.
Exploring Your Plan Options
Now, let’s explore your plan options to help cover the remaining costs:
Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap): Helps pay for out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as the Part A deductible and Part B coinsurance (the 20% you’d typically pay).
Additional Coverage: Some Medigap plans also cover excess charges under Part B.
Monthly Premiums: These plans typically have a monthly premium.
Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Plan): If you choose a Medigap plan, you’ll typically need to enroll separately in a Medicare Part D plan for outpatient medications.
Nationwide Freedom: Medigap plans let you see any doctor or hospital nationwide that accepts Medicare.
Medicare Advantage (MA) Plans (Part C): An “all-in-one” alternative to Original Medicare that bundles Part A, Part B, and usually Part D.
Private Insurance: Offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare.
Network-Based: Often limited to providers within a network (like HMO or PPO).
Premiums and Cost-Sharing: May have lower premiums but include copays and deductibles for services received throughout the year.
Extra Benefits: Often include vision, dental, hearing, and other benefits not covered by Original Medicare.
Medicare Part D: Most MA plans include drug coverage in one convenient plan.
Finding the Right Fit for You
Choosing the Medicare plan option that best suits your individual healthcare needs and budget is an important decision. Talk to a licensed agent who can guide you through each option and help you make an informed choice.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
Experienced a life-changing event (e.g., losing employer coverage, moving, or changes in Medicaid eligibility)? You may qualify for a SEP to enroll outside the standard windows.
We’re Here to Help
Call us today at 1-855-890-2583 for personalized assistance!
CDIS Blog
Major Medicare-Medicaid Plan Changes Coming in 2026
If you’re enrolled in an MMP plan, your coverage is changing — but you won’t lose it.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is phasing out Medicare-Medicaid Plans (MMPs) by the end of 2025. These were pilot programs under the Medicare Medicaid Program MMP model, designed to coordinate care for people eligible for both. Now they’re being replaced to improve care quality and simplify everything for you.
What’s Changing?
Medicare MMP plan users will see that their plans are ending. These were part of a pilot to help coordinate benefits across Medicare and Medicaid. Replacing them are D-SNPs (Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans) that combine Medicare and Medicaid benefits under new structures:
• FIDE SNPs: Both programs under one organization.
• HIDE SNPs: Coordinate closely, especially for long-term and behavioral health.
Timeline & What to Expect
Most MMP plan Medicare contracts will end by December 2025. States like California, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and South Carolina will automatically transition many people into a D-SNP with the same insurance company. You’ll get notices from your plan or state Medicaid office. Your benefits won’t disappear — but the plan name, ID card, and extras may change.
What You Might Gain
• One card for both Medicare and Medicaid.
• Easier billing and coordination.
• Better care management and support for chronic conditions.
• Some new D-SNPs offer extras like OTC credits, dental, vision, transport, and fitness.
Why This Matters
These changes aim to improve care and cut confusion. But you still need to read your plan notices and understand your new choices before 2026. Don’t wait — understand how your Medicare Medicaid Plans MMPs will change and what it means for your coverage.
We’re Here to Help
Call us today at 1-855-890-2583 for personalized assistance!
