State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) are federally funded programs in every state and several territories that provide free, unbiased counseling to Medicare beneficiaries about navigating the Medicare program. Sometimes going by … [Read more...] about In Defense of State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs)
Medicare Enrollment
Questioning your Medicare Advantage Plan Choice? Now is the Time to Act!
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is January 1-March 31. During this limited time, Medicare beneficiaries can change Medicare Advantage plans or switch to Traditional Medicare. If you change to Traditional Medicare, you may also obtain a … [Read more...] about Questioning your Medicare Advantage Plan Choice? Now is the Time to Act!
MA Options and Providers Decline in 2026 – MA Enrollees Can Make Changes Until March 31
The landscape of Medicare Advantage (MA) is changing in 2026. A number of large healthcare systems across the country have recently decided to terminate their MA contracts, which will leave many MA enrollees with fewer options for care. Some … [Read more...] about MA Options and Providers Decline in 2026 – MA Enrollees Can Make Changes Until March 31
Reminder – Open Enrollment Ends December 7th
Medicare Fall Open Enrollment ends December 7, so if you haven't reviewed your options for next year yet you still have a few days to make certain changes to coverage, including switching prescription drug plans or between traditional Medicare and … [Read more...] about Reminder – Open Enrollment Ends December 7th
Happy Thanksgiving from CMA
Happy Thanksgiving, and thank YOU for being a part of the CMA community.The Thanksgiving holiday is the perfect opportunity to chat with family members and friends about Medicare coverage options - Medicare Fall Open Enrollment continues through … [Read more...] about Happy Thanksgiving from CMA
Open Enrollment begins with some hurdles and confusion
Since the Medicare Annual Election Period, commonly known as the Open Enrollment Period or OEP – began on October 15, CMA has fielded reports from Connecticut beneficiaries and professionals experiencing confusion and challenges as they navigate … [Read more...] about Open Enrollment begins with some hurdles and confusion
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period Lasts Through December 7
Medicare’s annual period to make changes to Medicare Advantage and Part D plans is underway. Other enrollment opportunities are also discussed below.Annual Election Period (AEP, aka Open Enrollment, Fall Enrollment)The Medicare Annual … [Read more...] about Medicare Annual Enrollment Period Lasts Through December 7
New, Temporary, Special Enrollment Period
In August, CMS announced that Medicare Advantage provider directory information would be included in the online Medicare Plan Finder (MPF). Though CMS expects that information to be accurate, they announced on September 12 that they are making a new, … [Read more...] about New, Temporary, Special Enrollment Period
Changes at the Social Security Administration that Could Impact You
In the past several months, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has made several changes that are impacting beneficiary experiences.ChatbotsEarlier this year, SSA began using an AI-based Chatbot for its national 1-800 phone system. This … [Read more...] about Changes at the Social Security Administration that Could Impact You
Cuts to the Social Security Administration are Cuts to Medicare
Medicare beneficiaries rely on the Social Security Administration (SSA) for many different functions, such as Medicare enrollment, managing premium payments, and coordinating premium subsidies, just to name a few. Last week, significant cuts and … [Read more...] about Cuts to the Social Security Administration are Cuts to Medicare