Advisers' guide to helping clients with open enrollment

Advisers' guide to helping clients with open enrollment
There's still time to re-shop Medicare coverage for those already enrolled.
NOV 24, 2018
Financial advisers should urge their clients who are already enrolled in Medicare to re-shop their Medicare coverage during open enrollment season, which runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 each year for coverage beginning the following Jan. 1. During the annual open enrollment period, existing Medicare beneficiaries can switch from original Medicare to an all-inclusive Medicare Advantage Plan. In addition, Medicare Advantage members can switch to a different advantage plan or back to original Medicare, which usually requires buying a supplemental Medigap policy and a Part D prescription drug plan. All Medicare beneficiaries can switch drug coverage during open enrollment each year, whether a stand-alone Part D policy or as part of a Medicare Advantage plan. Clients should look for plans that offer their specific prescriptions and doses at the best price. The National Council of Aging offers a free online guide to Medicare open enrollment that recommends focusing on the four Cs: cost, coverage, convenience and customer service.

Latest News

Finra's Reg BI Enforcement: Is it 'ineffective, costly'?
Finra's Reg BI Enforcement: Is it 'ineffective, costly'?

The industry watchdog's own reports reflect failures to deter "willful" and "repeat" violations, raising a crucial question about the future of regulation.

SEC prepares to back away from defending climate rule in court
SEC prepares to back away from defending climate rule in court

Acting Chairman Mark Uyeda directed SEC staff to initiate a pause in court while the commission awaits a quorum. The SEC may decide to withdraw from defending itself in a lawsuit over last year's climate disclosure rule.

wealth.com welcomes Kathy Wunderli in private wealth push
wealth.com welcomes Kathy Wunderli in private wealth push

The top estate planning platform's veteran hire will lead its legal team's efforts to develop estate planning, tax analysis, and wealth transfer solutions for ultra-high-net-worth clients.

Morgan Stanley loses $843,000 investor claim stemming from 'gold bar' scam
Morgan Stanley loses $843,000 investor claim stemming from 'gold bar' scam

“If Morgan Stanley had called my client’s son, this wouldn’t have happened,” the investor's attorney said.

LPL welcomes $630M sibling advisor duo from Corebridge
LPL welcomes $630M sibling advisor duo from Corebridge

Meanwhile, Ameriprise has bolstered its own ranks as an LPL defector joins its branch channel in California.

SPONSORED Taylor Matthews on what's behind Farther's rapid growth

From 'no clients' to reshaping wealth management, Farther blends tech and trust to deliver family-office experience at scale.

SPONSORED Why wealth advisors should care about the future of federal tax policy

Blue Vault features expert strategies to harness for maximum client advantage.