The Iowa Medicare Advantage open enrollment period will continue through March 31. According to Kristin Griffith, Director of the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), during this period, Iowans enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can switch to a different plan with or without drug coverage. “They can even go back to Original Medicare and, if needed, join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan,” she adds. If changing plans, coverage will begin the first day of the month after the new plan receives the request for coverage. “Iowans should keep in mind, if you go back to Original Medicare, you may not be able to buy a Medicare Supplement insurance policy,” Griffith cautions. Anyone with questions is encouraged to make arrangements to talk with a SHIIP counselor by calling 800-351-4664.
