Fallon/Reliant Customers: For 2014 It Might Be "Medicare Time" Now, Not October

For a around 60% of us seniors, annual "Medicare time" occurs between October 15 and December 7 because that's the best time of year to check and possibly change the Part D Medicare standalone drug plan we buy individually and possibly make changes for the next year. And it's also the time of year to check our public Part C Medicare health plan if we have one. 

Fall is also a good, convenient time to check your private Medigap supplement insurance if that is your preferred Medicare supplement option instead of a public Part C Medicare health plan. (But in Massachusetts -- unlike in many states -- we seniors can sign up for and change Medigap policies at any time with guaranteed issue--but see NOTE.)

But around 40% of we senior citizens have supplemental Medicare insurance through a former employer. Such seniors face renewal at random times through the year... maybe now... maybe in October...  maybe it already happened for this year. "Medicare time" for those on retiree insurance is whenever the former employer says it is. Do not ignore any letters you get from a former employer just because everyone you know says "Medicare open enrollment" is in the fall. For you, "open enrollment" might be now. And even if you get a letter from a former employer about your retiree insurance in October, you might have to act in November rather than having until December like most of us.

(NOTE: "Any time" does not mean you can choose a Medigap policy in the ambulance in Massachusetts and get coverage when you arrive at the hospital. Under Massachusetts rules, a new or first-time Medigap option takes effect the first of the month in the month after you sign up. )