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As Medicare Enrollment Opens, Health Exchanges Confusing Some Seniors

The annual enrollment period for Medicare's prescription drug coverage and privatized Medicare Advantage plans is now open. It's the one time of year when people can make changes to their coverage without being penalized.

This year, many senior citizens have been confused. The enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act started just two weeks ago. Many people are under the mistaken impression that they need to sign up for coverage on the exchange, even though they have Medicare. 

“The open season will start in October for Medicare beneficiaries who want to choose a new prescription drug plan, or a new Medicare Advantage plan," says Marilyn Moon, former public trustee of the Medicare and Social Security Trust Funds. "That has nothing to do with the Affordable Care Act. But they’re kind of at the same time, so it sounds like it’s going to affect people.”

If you have a Part D prescription drug plan, or if you’re covered by Medicare Advantage instead of traditional Medicare, it’s a good idea to review your options, because plans change their costs and benefits every year.

A program called SHICK, Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas, offers free, specially trained counselors to help seniors understand their options.

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