Fewer options, more confusion for Medicare enrollment in New Hampshire this year

The enrollment period for Medicare began Oct. 15 and lasts until Dec. 7. But this year, there are fewer options for Medicare Advantage plans, requiring more work for many patients and healthcare providers during and after enrollment.

Major insurance carriers like Anthem and Martin's Point have pulled out of Medicare Advantage in New Hampshire. Aetna has also pulled out of most counties in the state while some counties, like Coos, only have two options for seniors.

According to the New Hampshire Insurance Department, 77,000 seniors are affected by these Medicare Advantage changes.

At an information session this week at the Concord Public Library, Tim Harrigan, a state-licensed, private Medicare plan advisor, walked Medicare enrollees through the process of signing up for the program.