The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period Begins October 15th and Ends December 7th

Idaho Department of Insurance News Release
For immediate release: September 20, 2019
Medicare enrollment events to be offered statewide

BOISE, ID – The Medicare Annual Enrollment period begins October 15th and ends December 7th.

Medicare health and prescription drug plan costs and coverage can change every year. SHIBA (Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors) highly recommends people with Medicare review their coverage before the enrollment period ends. Failing to compare and review coverage plan options increases the risk of spending more money on unnecessary health care costs down the road. In addition, with coverage changes, medications and services may no longer be covered by a previous year’s health plan.

Beginning the first week of October, Certified Medicare Counselors from The Department of Insurance’s SHIBA Program will be available across the state. Medicare beneficiaries will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a trained Medicare counselor to compare and review their current Medicare Advantage plans, prescription drug plans, and new options available in 2020. In short, SHIBA counselors help people make informed decisions about their specific health insurance needs.

SHIBA counselors will be available in these Idaho cities: Boise, Jerome, Mountain Home, Nampa, Parma, Fairfield, Cambridge, McCall, Gooding, Blackfoot, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Preston, Coeur d’Alene, Moscow, Kellogg, St. Maries, Lewiston, Sand Point, and Post Falls.

To make an appointment with a SHIBA Medicare Counselor near you, call 1-800-247-4422.

About the Department of Insurance
The Idaho Department of Insurance has been regulating the business of insurance in Idaho since 1901. The mission of the Department is to serve and protect Idahoans by equitably, effectively and efficiently administering the Idaho Insurance Code and the International Fire Code. For more information, visit doi.idaho.gov.

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