Medicare open enrollment starts Oct. 15. Idahoans should check their plans, officials say

As health insurance carriers change private plans for Medicare, Idaho officials are encouraging people to review their policies during open enrollment next month.

Open enrollment for Medicare — when people can change their insurance coverage — starts Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7. But insurers have been changing, and even pulling out of, Medicare Advantage, which are private plans for the federal health insurance program for older Americans and people with disabilities.

“Consumers should use this annual Open Enrollment Period to compare plans, confirm that their doctors and prescriptions are covered, and seek free, objective help …” Idaho Department of Insurance Director Dean Cameron said in a statement. “Taking action early ensures uninterrupted coverage and continued access to quality care.