There’s a lot going on these days – so much that it’s easy to miss a thing a two. Here’s a look at some of the most recent developments that could have a major impact on Medicare.

Most of you probably remember a few glitches in the rollout of changes to the 2019 Medicare Plan Finder. Now, as we start to prepare for the next AEP, the Plan Finder is receiving more updates. Here’s a quick recap of last year and what you can expect from the Plan Finder this year. Also, learn more about a new WAP tool – Medicare Enrollment Express at the end of this article.

Have you started using new digital communication tools recently? While these programs might be a necessity these days, some of your senior clients might need a little help getting up to speed.

The Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP) for 2021 coverage starts October 15, 2020 and ends December 7, 2020. That’s roughly 13 weeks away so now is the time to start communicating with your clients and prospects. 

• The WAP Team is proceeding with caution, and we are not ready to re-open our physical doors quite yet. For now, we will continue to serve our agent partners from remote home offices.
  We want to reassure our agents, agencies and partners that WAP is fully staffed and continues to conduct business without disruption to customer support; including sales, contracting, licensing, and enrollments and commission processing. 
• For the time being, agents will not have access to our facilities. We are assessing the situation and will continue to follow the state guidelines as well as take precautions to keep our employees, agents, agencies and partners safe. 

Big news! Starting in 2021, Medicare beneficiaries with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) will be allowed to enroll in Medicare Advantage plans. This is a significant change that will have major impacts on both the healthcare choices of ESRD patients and Medicare Advantage spending.

In November’s 2020 presidential election, we will most likely be choosing between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. The candidate chosen to be our next president will have a big influence on the future of Medicare – so let’s see what each candidate has in mind.

Medicare beneficiaries who have been impacted by the COVID-19 emergency will have access to a new Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Not everyone will qualify for this enrollment period, but for those who do, this is an important election opportunity.

What should health insurance cover? There are some obvious answers – like doctor visits, hospital stays, essential lab tests and prescription drugs. Then there are some “nice to haves” – like grocery delivery, transportation to the doctor’s office and a gym membership. These extra services can certainly contribute to good health, but they aren’t normally covered by health insurance.

COVID-19 is disrupting daily life, but a new executive order should make it easier for some Arizonans to continue work. On March 26, Governor Ducey issued Executive Order 2020-17, Continuity of Work. This order should provide relief for insurance agents and other licensed professionals in the state of Arizona.