Question about OPEN ENROLLMENT/ changing plan to UNITED HEALTHCARE?

Question

Older member of my family has local health care insurance with Medicare. Will be moving very soon and will not have that insurance (or plan, whichever it's called) over there.

Will like to get back to UNITED HEALTHCARE (preferably MEDICARE COMPLETE) which she had for many years.

Does OPEN ENROLLMENT apply here? What is OPEN ENROLLMENT?

Will she be able to change to any plan right now? She'll be moving by end of the month!!!

If unable to be accepted by UNITED or other plan now, would MEDICARE alone be enough when seeing a doctor or going to area hospital in the meantime? She does have MEDICARE part A and B.

Answer 1

The answer to your question is YES, she should be able to enroll in any plan in the new service area without underwriting, waiting periods, etc..  "Medicare Complete" may now be called "Secure Horizons" since United HealthCare renamed most of their plans after buying Pacificare a few years ago.

If you like United, don't bother with an agent who may try to push whatever pays him a higher commission.  Some agents will sell you United's products.  Make sure you get the drugs included ("MA-PD").

Answer 2

A move out of the service area is considered as a special election period, not open enrollment.

She can keep her current insurance (for ER & urgent care) while she is moving. After she moves she'll be able to get on another plan in her new location. She'll want to do this as soon as possible even though she officially has 6 months to make a change. She should visit a local independent agent that works with the senior market and with all the major plans to find the best plan for her situation. Medicare Complete is a good plan but it may not be the best for her. The agent can help her and there is no extra charge for the services.