As the Marketplaces Open, Things Stay the Same for People with Medicare

This week, millions of people without health insurance were finally able to shop for affordable health coverage thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). On October 1, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launched the Health Insurance Marketplaces, a new way for people without insurance to purchase coverage for themselves and their families without being denied or charged more because they have a pre-existing condition. People may enroll in insurance plans from the Marketplaces until March 31, 2014. Coverage starts as early as January 1, 2014 for individuals who enroll by December 15, 2013. States have the option to either set up their own Marketplace or allow the federal government to set up a Marketplace in their state. For example, New York has chosen to set up its own Marketplace, called NY State of Health, which is managed by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). On the NY State of Health website, individuals, families and small businesses can shop for affordable insurance coverage, as well as check their eligibility and sign up for programs like Medicaid. The Health Insurance Marketplaces created by the ACA are only for people who do not already have insurance. The Marketplaces are not for people with Medicare. People with Medicare should not enroll in the insurance plans offered in the Marketplaces. In addition, Medicare Advantage plans, Medigap supplemental policies and stand-alone Part D plans will not be sold through the Marketplaces. People with Medicare will be able to make changes to their coverage during the Medicare Fall Open Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 to December 7 of each year. Making changes to Medicare coverage is no different than last year—simply go to www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-Medicare.