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Medicare enrollment periods

In order for agents to sell Medicare plans, one of the first things they need to understand are the Medicare enrollment periods.  There are many different enrollment periods available to beneficiaries. Each one depends on their personal circumstances.

If a beneficiary already receives Social Security benefits, they will automatically be enrolled in Original Medicare.  In other words, they do not need to sing themselves up for Medicare Part A or Part B.  Beneficiaries who do not qualify for automatic enrollment should enroll during the Initial enrollment period.

There are three enrollment periods available for Original Medicare

1. The first and most commonly used is the IEP or initial enrollment period.
2. Second is the AEP or annual enrollment period which can be used for a number of different reasons.
3. Third is the GEP or general election period that beneficiaries use to enroll in Original Medicare if they missed their IEP for some reason.

Medicare IEP (Initial Enrollment Period)

The Medicare IEP (Initial Enrollment Period) is a seven-month window available to beneficiaries to enroll in Medicare Part A & Part B.  The IEP is based on either your 65th birthday or once a qualified beneficiary receives their 24th Social Security disability payment. This enrollment period starts 3 months before the qualifying event and continues through the month of the event.  The IEP ends 3 months after the month of the qualifying event.  If the beneficiary’s birthday falls on the first of the month, The IEP begins 4 months before the 65th birthday of the beneficiary and ends 2 months after the beneficiary’s birth month.

Coverage for beneficiaries who enroll in the months before their birthday begins the first day of their birth month.  If they enroll either during or after their birth month, coverage begins the first day of the month after they enroll.

During the IEP, beneficiaries can choose to either enroll in both parts of Original Medicare or they may choose to delay enrollment in Part B if they have other credible coverage such as from their own or a spouse’s employment.

Medicare AEP (Annual Enrollment Period)

The AEP starts each year on October 15 and runs until December 7.  AEP is an opportunity for anyone on Medicare to make changes to their Part C or Part D coverage.  Please note: changes made during this enrollment period will go into effect January 1 of the following year.

Click here to learn more about the AEP

Medicare GEP (General Enrollment Period)

If a beneficiary neglects to enroll during their IEP and does not have other credible coverage, they may need to use the GEP to enroll in Medicare.  The GEP starts January 1 and runs through March 31 each year. During the GEP, coverage begins the first day of the month after you enroll.  Beneficiaries who enroll during the GEP may have to pay a late enrollment penalty depending how long they have gone without credible coverage.

Other Enrollment Periods

There are still more enrollment periods available.  There are the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period as well as the Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period. Each if these enrollment periods apply to the specified type of coverage.  Although some individuals qualify for one of the many SEPs (Special Enrollment Periods).

Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period

The Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period starts the day their Medicare Part B is effective and runs for 6 months. This enrollment period gives beneficiaries guaranteed issue right to enroll in any Medigap plan available to them. Several supplement carriers let beneficiaries apply for a plan up to 6 months before their Part B start date.  The supplement will not start until the day Part B benefits are in place.  If the beneficiary misses their Medicare supplement open enrollment period, they can apply for a Medicare supplement plan any time of year.  Keep in mind, they may have to go through underwriting and can be denied coverage.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

When a beneficiary first enrolls in Medicare Part A and Part B during their IEP, they are eligible to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.  If they do not choose to enroll at that time, they have to wait until the AEP (Annual Enrollment Period) unless they have an SEP available to them.

There is a specific Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period available to those who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage change their coverage.  This enrollment period runs from January 1 through March 31 each year.

To learn more about the Medicare Advantage OEP, click here

Special Enrollment Periods for Medicare

The most difficult to understand enrollment period may be the Special Enrollment Period. This enrollment period can apply to several different circumstances and does not apply to all Medicare beneficiaries. SEPs may require the beneficiary to provide proof of eligibility.

The most common reason for enrolling during an SEP is loss of employer coverage due to the fact that many benficiares choose not to enroll in Medicare PArt B because they have employer coverage.

Find out the rules for SEPs

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What’s the Medicare GEP

Please note:

Those who did not enroll in Medicare Part B because they had insurance coverage through theirs or a spouse’s employment, do not pay an LEP.  There is also no penalty for beneficiaries who qualify for an MSP (Medicare Savings Program).

Before 2023, no matter what date beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare during the GEP, their coverage would start July 1.  Since the CMS rule change that began is 2023, there are no longer delays in Medicare effective dates for beneficiaries who enroll during the GEP.  In other words, coverage begins the first day of the month following the enrollment.

Our YouTube channel has many important guidelines and updated rules for Medicare sales – subscribe to our channel and take a look.

Why contract with multiple Medicare carriers

If you are just getting started in Medicare sales it can be overwhelming.  I am sure there are many questions you have including why contract with multiple Medicare carriers. In this post we will provide an answer to that question.

As a Medicare agent, the main reason you chose this business should be to provide the best possible advice to individuals who are looking for Medicare coverage.  In order to do that, you need access to the best options for each individual.  In other words, you need to be able to offer plans from multiple Medicare carriers.

Avoid rapid disenrollment – learn more

contract with multiple carriers so beneficiaries can compare plans

Providing beneficiaries the ability to compare the benefits of several plans lets them make a well-informed decision on their coverage. Many clients like to see as many options as possible.  If you can provide information on many plans, they know you are giving them the best choices available, and they can feel more confident in their choice.  There is no need to go to other agents to view other options. Contracting with several carriers gives you a broader knowledge of the Medicare market and that is good for both you and your clients. A diverse portfolio ensures potential clients you will truly find the best plan for their personal needs.

Agents who contract with only one carrier, leave clients wondering what else is available and are they getting the best coverage. In this instance, clients do not have all the information available to get the best coverage.

Click here to learn about our quoting tools Sunfire and Connecture – watch a quick YouTube video

Plan pricing

One important factor for Beneficiaries is the cost of the plan they chose.  When you have many options available, it is far more likely to find a plan that offers the desired coverage at an affordable price.  This provides your clients a chance to find the plan that does not stretch the budget too thin once you inform them of all the costs associated with each plan and available benefits.

Contracting with multiple carriers can help build your book

Medicare beneficiaries need an agent they trust who provides knowledge as well as the best plan options.  If your clients know you are available to address any concerns they have and you offer several great plan choices, they will tell their friends and family. Many Medicare beneficiaries are overwhelmed with information; bombarded by phone calls and mail.  If they have an actual person they can trust for sound advice, this goes a long way and is appreciated. If your clients know you available to address any concerns they have and offer several great plan choices, they will tell their friends and family.  This is a fantastic and free way to generate new leads.  A good agent is a valuable asset and provides beneficiaries with peace of mind.

Learn how to make a business plan for you Medicare business

Offering multiple carriers provides more opportunity to earn commission

Any agent who does not offer multiple carriers is leaving money on the table.  Our job as agents is to provide the coverage beneficiaries want.  If you offer only 1 or 2 carriers, you are letting many opportunities slip through your fingers.   Beneficiaries are presented with multiple plan choices every day and they know what benefits they want.  They also know what they can afford.  You need to be prepared to find them what they are looking for or someone else will.

Watch our YouTube video on how to choose Medicare carriers to contract with

Find out what a good FMO offers 

Medicare Savings Plan CT 2024

The Medicare savings plan CT 2024 could make a big difference in the lives of many people struggling to pay their health care costs.

Connecticut provides financial assistance to eligible Medicare enrollees through Medicare Savings Programs.

Qualified beneficiaries receive help through one of three available Medicare Savings Programs.  qualification for each level depends on your income. If you qualify for any of the three levels, DSS will pay your monthly Medicare Part B premium. In some cases, enrollees receive help paying both Medicare deductibles and co-insurance. Medicaid funds the MSP program in CT.

The three levels of Medicare Savings Plan help

Each level of extra help is decided by your gross income.  If you are married, your spouse’s income is included. Every level of the MSP program pays for your Part B premium.  The monthly income limits are effective from March 1, 2023, until February 29, 2024.  After that date, the new income limits take effect.  When CT releases the new amounts, will add them in.

QMB – This level of help pays your Part B premium.  Part B covers doctor visits, some preventative care and outpatient hospital services.  QMB also covers your Medicare deductibles.  The deductible is how much you pay before your Medicare insurance starts to pay. QMB benefits also cover Co-insurance payments. Co-insurance is the part of Medicare approved services that beneficiaries are responsible for paying.

The QMB is the only level of the Medicare Savings Program that acts like a Medicare Supplemental or Medigap plan.  It will cover the costs of the deductibles or co-pays of Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B up to the Medicaid approved rate.  It will also pay the premium for Medicare Part A for qualified adults 65 years of age or older when they are not eligible for premium free Medicare due to work earnings.  You are protected by federal law from being “balanced billed” or billed for services after Medicare Part A and B pays its portion of the bill, if a provider agrees to treat you, whether or not the provider is a Medicaid provider.

SLMB – This level of extra help pays your Part B premium only.

ALMB – This level of extra help also provides payment for your Part B premium only. Help on this level is available on a first come first served basis as it is subject to available funding.   Beneficiaries who receive Medicaid are not eligible for this program.

Click here to download a quick benefits guide.

Every level of MSP automatically enrolls you into LIS (Low Income Subsidy) also referred to as Extra Help.  Extra Help either pays the entire cost of a benchmark Medicare Part D plan, or part of a non-benchmark plan.  It also covers the annual deductible, co-insurance and co-pays. Extra Help coverage stays the same even in the coverage gap (donut hole). Beneficiaries who receive the LIS also have additional SEPs to change Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plans if they want to.

How to Apply for MSP

You can apply for these benefits online, through the mail or by brining your application to a local DSS office. If you need help completing the application, you can authorize someone to do the application for you.

 Click here for a list of local offices.

To apply for benefits online, go to www.connect.ct.gov, look for the ‘Apply for Benefits” and go from there.  To apply for MSP only, complete the Medicare Savings Programs application/redetermination form below:

Medicare Savings Program Application (W-1QMB)

Formulario de Renovación de programas de ahorro de Medicare (W-1QMBS)

Click here to learn about Medicaid redetermination

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Medicare commission chargebacks

Medicare commission chargebacks are just a normal part of Medicare sales. If you plan ahead, you can avoid chargebacks turning into a bigger problem.

What is a Chargeback

In Medicare sales, a chargeback is when a portion of an agent’s commission for a sale is lost.  This happens when a client’s policy is terminated early.  This happens when a client either cancels their plan or passes away.  When this happens, the agent must pay back a portion of the commission they received previously.

Many Medicare agents choose to receive commission advances.  This means the carrier pays several months of commissions on the sale of a policy up front, before the client pays the premium payments.  This is great because you do not have to wait to get the payment, however this is also a potential problem if your client cancels their policy, and you incur a debt to the insurance carrier.

Please note: every insurance carrier has their own payment schedule and chargeback rules.

Be prepared for chargebacks

Because there are things you cannot predict, clients pass away or change their mind on their coverage choice, you need to be prepared for at least a few chargebacks each year. It is a good idea to have money set aside for such situations.

Pay Your Medicare commission chargebacks

This is a no brainer.  If you have a bill, you need to pay it.  If you neglect to pay it, you may have a Vector hit against you.  This is a service insurance companies use to report unpaid debts. This will harm your credit score as well as you chance to sell products with some carriers.  Some carriers will not contract brokers with a Vector hit until they pay their debt.

Agents can pay some chargebacks out of the commission the insurance company owes you.  If you do not have enough commission coming in to pay the debt, some carriers will allow you to set up a payment plan to clear the debit.

AEP Enrollments can lead to MA OEP Disenrollments

When enrollments occur during AEP (Oct 15 through Dec 7), agents receive half the commission for each sale in Jan and the other half in Feb.  Because full MA/MAPD compensation is only paid out once on each enrollee, agents receive renewal commission rates for each beneficiary who enrolls in a plan.  Agents receive full commission only if the beneficiary is a first-time MA/MAPD plan enrollee.

When your client decides to either move or drop their MA/MAPD plan during the OEP (Jan 1 through Mar 31), the agent receives a chargeback. Because another agent could talk your client into a plan change during the MA OEP, you may receive a chargeback.

Click here to find out about the MAPD commissions 2024

Medicare commission Chargebacks for Medicare Supplement sales

Luckily chargebacks for Medicare Supplements are a less common occurrence. Usually, carriers pay Medicare Supplement commissions as earned.  In other words, your client pays their monthly premium, then you receive commission.

In some cases, agents have the opportunity to receive advanced commission which are normally 3, 6 or even 12 months ahead of schedule. Because many carriers charge a nominal fee for advancing commissions, most agents opt for commission payments on an as-earned basis.  If you do get a chargeback for a Medicare Supplement sale, the amount is usually not very large.

Communicate with your clients – avoid Medicare commission chargebacks

It is extremely important to stay in contact with your clients.  If they know you are available to answer questions as a trusted and valuable resource, they will call you if they are thinking about a plan change.  This may help prevent them from seeking advice from another agent who may contact them.  If your clients change plans during AEP, it may be good advice to check to see if they are happy with the new plan afterwords.  If they are not, you will be able to enroll them in another plan instead of them going to another agent.

There is no way to predict losing a client due to death or other unforeseen reasons.  The best thing to do is let clients know you are available even when they are unhappy.  Remember to prepare ahead for a few chargebacks.

Learn a few Medicare sales tips

Wath some free Medicare agent training videos on our YouTube channel

What is a rapid disenrollment

How to prevent rapid disenrollment

If you follow all the CMS guidelines as well as listen to the client and found a plan that best fit their needs, a disenrollment will be unlikely to occur.   Take a look at a few suggested practices below to help you avoid rapid disenrollment.

Enroll clients in the plan that is best for them

The most successful Medicare agents, enroll clients in the plan that best fit the client’s needs.  They do not base their recommendations on the amount of commission they will receive. When you operate in the best interest of the client, a disenrollment is not likely to happen. If for any reason your client changes their mind about the plan they chose, it is in everyone’s best interest to help them switch to another plan.   This helps them to know you are there to provide them with the best service possible and they can contact you with any questions or concerns.

Check all your Clients’ providers

Most clients do not want to search for new doctors each year especially if they are happy with the care they are receiving.  That means it is imperative that you get an up to date list of their current providers and make sure they are in-network with any plan they are considering.  This is also important for hospitals or any other medical facilities they like to use.  Because paper directories are difficult to update in a timely manor, It is best to check the online provider directory of any plan they are thinking about enrolling in.

Get a list of current medications

These days mediations can cost thousands of dollars for each refill, therefore, it is important to get an updated list of medications from each client annually to provide the best possible coverage options.  When you run a plan quote, always look at where each medication falls on the formulary of each plan they are considering as well as the plan that provides them the best total cost.  This means include the cost of the plan as well as the cost of the medications for a total plan cost. Always include the name of the pharmacy your client uses as that also has an effect on the cost of their medications and the plan they choose.  Whenever possible, clients should use a pharmacy that is considered preferred by their plan.

Explain plan benefits and coverage costs

Be sure you understand the clients coverage needs as well as their budget. Be sure they know the cost of monthly premiums, co-pays, coinsurance and deductibles as well as prescriptions costs will be.  Unexpected costs are one reason people disenroll from a plan.

Always be sure your client understands the benefits of the plan they choose.  When they tell you they want a dental benefit; be sure they understand exactly what it covers and doesn’t. The same goes for any benefit that is important to them.  If the plan they choose does not offer all the benefits they are looking for, be sure they still want that plan. Double check that they know what they are signing up for.  If they do not fully understand the benefits package they may decide later that you did not listen to them and put them into an inferior plan.  Don’t forget there may be other ways for them to have all the coverage they want by adding an affordable ancillary plan.

Please be aware, Medicare beneficiaries often get advice from family or friends saying they have a better plan that is less expensive with more benefits. This may cause them to make a switch.  Be sure you provide the best plan to suite their needs and always be available to answer questions.

Review Outbound Education and Verification calls

Agents need to explain that the client may receive an outbound education and verification (OEV) call from the carrier or the new plan.  Unfortunately some clients disenroll when they get this call because they are not expecting it and get confused.  Make sure they are aware of it and what to expect.

One last thing you can do to avoid the disappointment of a rapid disenrollment

We cannot stress enough that your client needs to understand what they signed up for.  Make sure they understand the plan they chose.  Check back in with them to be sure they do not have any questions and to offer your guidance if they do.  They need to feel comfortable with their choice.  If they are not confident it will only take 1 tv commercial or phone call from a telemarketer to get them to change their plan and you will have a rapid disenrollment.

How they affect the agent

Once a client is considered a rapid disenrollment from a Medicare plan, carriers will recover at least part of the commissions that they paid out.  This is known as a chargeback.

Click here to learn about pro-rated Medicare commissions

Do not go on any shopping sprees until you are sure your clients are happily enrolled in their new plans.

Any rapid disenrollment may bring you to both the carriers attention as well as the attention of CMS.  This is not something you want to happen. Agents with a large number of rapid disenrollments may be investigated for compliance issues.   CMS may need to investigate to be sure you are not enrolling clients into plans under false pretenses just to make a quick buck.  That is why, the client’s best interest has to be your top priority.

Click here to learn about the Medicare Part D changes watch a quick YouTube video

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Medicare IRMAA 2024

Agents need to understand what the Medicare IRMAA 2024 will be in order to advise their clients accordingly.

IRMAA explained

IRMAA is an additional charge that may be added to a beneficiaries Medicare Part B and or Medicare Part D premium.  An IRMAA applies to certain individuals whose income level is above a pre-determined amount.  Income amounts are decided annually on a sliding scale and include 5 different income brackets.   If the Social Security administration determines a client must pay an IRMAA, they will send a premium notice that includes an explanation of the charge.

The IRMAA amounts are based on the beneficiaries’ income from 2 years before the present year.  For example: a 2024 IRMAA is based on the beneficiary’s income from 2022.  Because income changes from year to year, the IRMAA amount can also change accordingly.

Determination of both Part B and Part D total premiums can be calculated by adding the current Part B premium ($174.70 in 2024) to your IRMAA amount.  This works the same way for your current Part D IRMAA amount and premium.

Part B & Part D IRMAA income brackets & surcharge amounts 2024

Please note:  The IRMAA for married Medicare beneficiaries who file separate tax returns are higher if they lived together for any amount of the year.

How to make your Medicare IRMAA 2024 payment

Because there are 2 separate IRMAAs (Part B & Part D) the payments are handled differently. The IRMAA for Part B is added to your monthly premium bill automatically.

Part B IRMAA

Here are a few ways to pay your Part B IRMAA

1. Send your payment to Medicare through the mail. You can send either a check, money order or credit or debit card information by filling out the coupon attached to the bottom of your bill. If you are sending payment without the coupon, be sure to put your Medicare number in the memo of the check.  Send payments in the return envelope that comes with your invoice and mail payments to Medicare Premium Collection Center, P.O. Box 790355, St Louis , MO 63179-0355.
2. The quickest way to pay is online with your secure Medicare account.  You can use a credit or debit card or pay through either your checking or savings account.
3. Use Medicare Easy Pay to have Medicare deduct your premiums from your savings or checking directly each month.  Please note; it can take up to 8 weeks for automatic deductions to begin.  Be sure you pay the premiums another way until it is set up.  You can also use your bank’s online bill payment service if they offer one.

Part D IRMAA

On the other hand, you must pay the IRMAA for Part D directly to Medicare.  The beneficiary must pay it even if their employer or a third party (e.g., retirement system) pays their Part D premiums. They receive a monthly bill from Medicare for the Part D IRMAA.  This amount can be paid using the same method used to pay for their Part B premium.

Usually, beneficiaries receive the bill the same month it is due.  The premiums are always due on the 25th of each month. In the event that you miss a payment, or it is sent in late, it will be included with the next bill.

Medicare IRMAA 2024- how to request a redetermination

The SSA (Social Security Administration) bases their determination of who owes an IRMAA on the income reported on tax returns from the  2 years before you pay the IRMAA.  If SSA does decide you owe an IRMAA, they send you an initial determination notice.  When you receive this notice, you will also get information explaining how to request a new initial determination.

If Social Security receives a new initial determination, they may revise the amount owed or take the IRMAA away all together.  To request the redetermination, either schedule an appointment with your local Social Security office or submit the following form:

Medicare IRMAA Life-Changing Event form

You need to provide documentation of your correct income or of the life-changing event that has affected your income level in a negative way.

Here are examples of acceptable life-changing events:

1. Death of a spouse, a divorce or annulment or a marriage
2. If either spouse stops or reduces the number of hours they work
3. When either spouse loses a pension
4. Loss of income due to income producing property loss because of a natural disaster, fraud or similar circumstances

If you had an amended tax return, you can call the representatives at SSA +1 800-772-1213 and say you want to lower your (IRMAA) Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount.   Use the fact that Social Security used outdated or incorrect information when calculating your IRMAA.

Learn about the 2024 Social Security increase

Find out what the effects of the 2025 drug cap will be

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Medicare costs 2024

Both agents and beneficiaries need to know what the Medicare costs 2024 are in order to accurately plan for the year ahead.  The CMS announced the 2024 Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles and coinsurance amounts on Oct 12, 2023.  As you will see, the premium for Part B is higher than last year and so is the deductible.  Although the Part A premium has not increased.

Almost all Medicare beneficiaries (over 99%) receive Medicare Part A premium-free.  A very small number of Medicare beneficiaries (fewer then 1%) must pay their Part A premium.  This is due to the fact that they have not worked for a minimum of 40 quarters in a job that qualifies as Medicare-covered employment.

Medicare enrollees who paid their Medicare taxes fewer than 30 quarters must pay $505 per month for their Part A premium in 2024.  This amount is less than the 2023 premium of $506 per month.  As you can see, this premium has gone down by $1. Medicare beneficiaries who have either paid Medicare taxes for at least 30 quarters or were married to someone who have worked for at least 30 quarters and paid their Medicare taxes will pay $278 for their Part A premium per month in 2024.  This is the same cost as it was in 2023.

The deductible for an inpatient hospital stays (Medicare Part A in 2024, will be $1,632.  In 2023 the inpatient hospital deductible was $1,600.  This is an increase of $32 for 2024.  The benefit period for each hospital stay ends 60 days after your release from care.

Medicare costs 2024 – Part B

Starting in January of 2024, the premium for Medicare Part B will be $174.70.  This is up $9.80 from the 2023 cost of $164.90. The Medicare Part B deductible is also due to increase by $14 to $240 in 2024 from $226 in 2023. The total increase amounts to $14 over the cost in 2023.

Beneficiaries who have income above a certain level will pay an IRMAA in addition to the standard Part B monthly premium of $174.40.  The chart below shows the income limits, the IRMAA amount as well as the Part B premium in each income bracket.

It is important to remain up to date with any information that directly impacts your clients. Any agent who wants to provide his clients with the best service stays informed and educated so clients know they can trust your advice.  This is why some agents get so many referrals and build a large book of business.

Learn about Medicare Part D changes coming in 2025

Watch a quick video on YouTube about what we offer our agents

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What are Medicare STAR ratings

CMS developed the Star Ratings system.  The system is used to rate both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug plans.  The star ratings are based on a scale from 1 (the lowest score to 5 (the highest score).  These ratings are based on the quality of each plan as well as the level of customer satisfaction.  The CMS looks at each plan’s performance on an annual basis.

Star ratings were put in place by CMS to improve the quality of the plans available to Medicare beneficiaries.  They are also a good way for CMS to track customer satisfaction with the care they receive from providers, hospitals and other healthcare facilities that work with Medicare beneficiaries.

How are the ratings decided:

Medicare Advantage (part C) and Medicare cost plans are rated based on their performance in the following 5 categories.

Members health

This is measured by member access and use of preventative services.  This includes physicals, vaccinations and screenings. This category shows how well a plan encourages members to use their preventative services through incentives and communication.

Chronic Condition management

This step monitors if members receive recommended treatments or testing for long-term health problems.  This shows if the plan provides encouragement and for members to get needed treatments and testing done. Each plan offers its own programs and resources for members to manage health conditions such as, diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis or high blood pressure.

The experience of plan members

The member feedback is extremely important.  This category is based on how the members of a plan feel they were treated. Their experiences include the care they receive from doctors who participate with the plan as well as how they rate their ease of filling their prescriptions.

Complaints and plan performance

The number of complaints and problems beneficiaries report is tracked as well as if the plan has made improvements to address such issues.

Customer service

This also includes how appeals and new enrollments are handled.  Are they taken care of in a reasonable amount of time? Does the plan provide TTY services or interpreters for foreign language speaking clients.

Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Ratings

This includes (Part D) Prescription Drug as well as Medicare Advantage (MAPD) plans that include drug coverage.   These plans receive an overall rating which is decided by the same categories as above as well as drug safety and accuracy of drug pricing. The prescribing of medications is monitored to ensure safety and accuracy for each beneficiaries’ health conditions.

Very few plans get a rating of 5 stars

When a plan gets a rating of 5 stars, it is thought of as excellent.  If a plan has 4 starts, it is considered above average by CMS. Either of these ratings let a potential enrollee know they are considering a plan that offers good customer service and a solid benefits package.

However, if CMS gives a Medicare plan less than 3 stars for 3 years continually, it is marked as low performing. CMS will contact enrollees of low preforming plans so they can find better options if you want.