Prepare for Medicare Changes in 2024 

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is open now through December 7, 2023. The Sourcewise Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) offers counseling by appointment over the phone and by video conference. Face-to-face appointments are also now available at Sourcewise offices (on a limited schedule) and at select community centers and libraries.

Each year, drug and managed health plans may change premiums, benefits, and out-of-pocket costs (like deductibles and copayments/coinsurance) for the upcoming 2024 year as described in your September “Annual Notice of Change”.

The AEP allows existing Medicare recipients to look at their previous Medicare selections and adapt as needed:

• Change, enroll in, or drop a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan (PDP).
• Enroll in or change a Medicare Advantage (MA) Part C HMO or PPO plan for its extra benefits and managed network.
• Leave the managed Medicare system of MA Part C and instead use Original Medicare, a PDP, and Medigap for greater physician, provider, or facility flexibility.

HICAP counselors can help you review changes, identify options, and plan your Medicare to meet your needs for 2024. HICAP will host AEP presentations called, “Medicare’s 2023 Annual Enrollment Period and Updates for 2024” via Zoom and at various community organizations throughout the county to keep you informed about the latest plan options and changes.

To prepare for an appointment, create a Medicare.gov account, especially if you take several medications. You can then view your Medicare history, including a list of recently filled prescriptions. HICAP Counselors can more quickly help you find the lowest cost drug plan on the Medicare.gov Plan Finder.

Save money on Medicare Part D drug costs through the Low-Income Subsidy program (also called “Extra Help”). To qualify for partial Extra Help, monthly income must be less than $1,823 for singles and $2,466 for couples. Or apply for Medi-Cal, which includes Extra Help for Medicare recipients and has effectively similar income limits.

Sourcewise HICAP counseling is free, unbiased, and available to Medicare- eligible Santa Clara County residents. To attend “Medicare’s 2023 Annual Enrollment Period and Updates for 2024” presentations, visit the Sourcewise website at mysourcewise.com/calendar. To schedule a one-on-one counseling session with a HICAP counselor, visit our Medicare Counseling Appointments webpage or speak with a Community Resource Specialist at (408) 350-3200, option 1 to book an appointment with a HICAP counselor.