If you are either a current Medicare recipient or caring for an individual that has Medicare, it is essential that you know and understand what is new with Medicare for 2023.

For the purpose and intent of this particular guide, we are going to focus on those that are currently on Medicare. Even for caregivers, this will serve as a guide.

Now is the time to start comparing the coverage that you have and the various other options available to you. You may do this by visiting: Medicare.gov/plan-compare.

Important Dates

• October 15^th 2022 to December 7^th 2022 – The dates outlined here cover the period that is commonly referred to as “Open Enrollment”. If you have the desire to change your health or drug coverage, this must be done by December 7^th 2022. This is the period in which recipients may join, switch over, or completely drop a Medicare plan – such as the Medicare Advantage Plan.
• January 1^st 2023 – This date marks the start of your new coverage if you made any changes. The costs associated with your plan and any associated benefits will initiate on this date. 
• January 1^st 2023 – March 31^st 2023 – During this time, if you are part of the Medicare Advantage Plan, you may change to a completely different plan or you may switch over to what is referred to as “Original Medicare”. If you go with Original Medicare, you have the option of choosing a different drug plan once during this particular time period. If you make changes, they will go into effect on the first of the new month following the time the plan receives the request that you have made. 

What’s New with Medicare 2023?

The following outlines what is new with Medicare 2023:

1. Special Enrollment Period – If certain circumstances prevail and you cannot sign up for Medicare during the Open Enrollment period, you may now qualify for a Special Enrollment Period that will allow you time to complete the process. 
2. COVID-19 – Medicare 2023 will continue to provide coverage for COVID-19. This includes tests, vaccines, and booster shots if you are eligible. 
3. Start Dates – When signing up during Open Enrollment, when you turn 65, or during the last 3 months of the Enrollment Period, your coverage will start the first day of the following month immediately following sign-up. 
4. Accountable Care Organizations – These organizations consist of medical professionals that place an emphasis on high-quality care that is carefully coordinated. If your doctor is part of this, you will have access to a wide array of special tools and resources. 
5. Crisis Assistance – Now, you have access to crisis intervention for mental health and your general wellness. Simply call or directly text to 988. If you so desire, you may visit 988lifeline.org
6. Kidney Transplants and AfterCare – If you have a kidney transplant, Medicare 2023 will now offer coverage for immunosuppressive drugs after the 36-month period following the procedure. 
7. Help with Health and Drug Costs – Extra Help and the Medicare Savings Program are offered through the state where you reside to help pay for health and drug costs if you are on a limited income. There are additional state-sponsored programs other than those outlined here. 

Questions

If you have any questions about Medicare, you may contact the following:

1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)

TTY Users: 1-877-486-2048

For more assistance on senior care and services offered for those aged 65 and older, we here at Beacon Senior Advisors urge you to contact us directly by calling: 973-713-0096 or visit www.BeaconSeniorAdvisors.com