The 2nd annual enrollment period for 2015 health insurance coverage by the Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare) is now available. Enrollment under the Health Insurance Marketplace started on November 15, 2014 and will end on February 15, 2015. Please remember that Medicare Open Enrollment is not part of the Marketplace.
With the Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15 – December 7) coming to an end, please make sure to review you Medicare plans and not Marketplace options. You can review your Medicare plan using the Plan Finder.
Remember to watch out for scams that take advantage of Medicare recipients. Below are some tips to help you avoid scams.
Tips for people with Medicare:
- If you have Original Medicare or a Medicare health plan, you do not need to purchase any coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Your Medicare benefits satisfy the requirement to have health care coverage; therefore you do not need to do anything.
- Note: It is illegal for someone who knows you have Medicare, to sell you a plan through the Marketplace.
- You do not need a new Medicare card, Social Security card, or any other new identity card.
- You do not need to verify any of your current information.
- Beware of fake websites, emails, phone calls, and people knocking on your door asking for your personal information.
- Note: There are no Medicare sales representatives.
When in doubt call the Virginia Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-800-938-8885 or visit www.virginiasmp.org