Enter your ZIP code to learn about the CarePlus Medicare Advantage plans in your area, or call us at 1-855-605-6171; TTY: 711.
Do you have a Medicare-eligible parent, family member, friend, or other person who is considering a Medicare Advantage plan but needs help enrolling? If so, you may need to understand the enrollment process, and CarePlus is here to help you!
In most cases, Medicare Advantage plan coverage starts on the first day of the next month after CarePlus receives the completed enrollment form. For people who enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7 every calendar year), coverage becomes effective on January 1 of the following year.
Your goal is to help evaluate plan options, decide on coverage needs, choose the right plan for the beneficiary, and aid your parent or loved one in the enrollment process. Allow adequate time to make the right coverage decision. Be patient and flexible as you go through the process.
If you would like to complete an application on behalf of someone else, we are required to verify that you are certified under state law with a “Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care,” “Healthcare Power of Attorney,” or other legal authority to act on behalf of the person interested in enrolling.
If you are helping someone enroll who is on a budget or a fixed income, you may want to consider a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage plans typically include drug coverage and fixed copayments, which can help you estimate monthly costs. All CarePlus plans are Medicare Advantage plans with fixed copayments and most CarePlus plans offer prescription drug coverage.
As you look at different plans, ask these questions:
When helping someone enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, be sure to gather information about any drugs the person takes, including generic and brand names, dosage, how often this person takes his or her drug(s), and where he or she fills prescriptions. Having this information will help you identify cost-saving opportunities, as you research plan options.
If the person you are helping enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan will choose a primary care physician (PCP) from a defined network of providers, then a CarePlus Medicare Advantage plan may be a good fit. Our members can select a PCP from our list of in-network providers who offer services in the areas where we provide coverage. It may be that their current doctor is already part of our network!
Be sure to learn if the person you are helping already has a prescription drug plan and, if so, determine what this plan covers and how much it costs. Ask about any current monthly plan premium and if a third party, such as an employer or Medicaid, pays part of the premium. Please note that a Medicare beneficiary may automatically lose existing coverage after enrolling in a Medicare Advantage prescription drug plan.
People who are new to Medicare have many decisions to make about health benefits. We recommend bringing together everyone who will be involved in the decision-making process, when helping someone enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. Explain the purpose of getting together; share what you have learned; and, most importantly, ask questions. We make information available about our Medicare Advantage plan options, when to enroll, Medicare basics, and more.
