Well, it’s almost that time of year again in Upstate South Carolina! Beginning October 15th, 2017, and through December 7th, 2017, Medicare-eligible consumers can enroll in or change Medicare Advantage plans. Here are some of the facts you need to know:

• To be eligible for a Medicare Advantage plan, you need to have Medicare A and B, live in the service area of the plan you select, and not have end stage renal disease (ESRD) in most cases.
• If you select a Medicare Advantage (part C) plan, it must cover all of the services that original Medicare (parts A and B) covers. There is no chance that you sign up for a plan that provides less coverage than original Medicare.
• Many Medicare Advantage plans also include prescription drug coverage (part D). These Medicare Advantage plans are called MAPD plans.
• Most Medicare Advantage plans also offer extra features like vision, dental, hearing, and fitness benefits that are not offered under original Medicare.
• In most cases you will still pay your Part B premium in a MAPD plan. The actual amount of the Part B premium is determined by income level.
• If you don’t select a plan or make changes during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) you may not be able to make changes until next year’s AEP.
• The coverage for the plan you select will go into effect on January 1st, 2018.
• If you change your mind after enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan and want to go back to original Medicare, you can do so between January 1st and February 14 in 2018.

If you live in upstate South Carolina or north Georgia, including but not limited to the following counties: Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Oconee, Pickens, Laurens, or Union counties in South Carolina and Rabun, Habersham, Stephens, Franklin, Hart, Banks, or Elbert counties in Georgia, please give us a call at:

(864) 214-4261 for local help in upstate South Carolina

so that we can find the best plan for you today.