Medicare Open Enrollment Runs Through Dec. 7 as Retirees Weigh Advantage Against Traditional Coverage
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Nov 8
Medicare Open Enrollment Runs Through Dec. 7 as Retirees Weigh Advantage Against Traditional Coverage
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Nov 8
Summary
Dec. 7 is the deadline for Medicare’s annual open enrollment, when beneficiaries can switch between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
Traditional Medicare, the original 1965 government program, offers broad doctor choice but no out-of-pocket cap unless enrollees add Medigap, employer coverage or Medicaid support.
Medicare Advantage plans, created under 2003 legislation and run by private insurers, usually bundle drug coverage and extras like dental, vision and hearing with lower premiums.
Those plans also rely on narrower provider networks, prior authorization and referral rules, and insurers can change or drop offerings; in 2027, 14% of Advantage enrollees will have to find new coverage.