The Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) of Sourcewise provides sensible insight to help prioritize your Medicare options and provides unbiased information to help you choose the best plan for you and your family.

The annual enrollment period for Medicare Parts D and C occurs from October 15, 2014 through December 7, 2014. Existing Medicare beneficiaries may enroll in or drop a Medicare Part D Drug plan or a Medicare Part C Medicare Advantage plan. Beneficiaries may also conveniently switch to a more suitable plan for 2015.

General enrollment for Medicare Part A/B will take place from January 1, 2015 through March 31, 2015 for individuals who missed their chance to enroll in Medicare Part B or who wish to purchase Part A. Part B coverage would begin July 1, 2015.

The Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period is January 1, 2015 through February 14, 2015. Careful consideration should be taken before disenrolling during this period of time. Contact HICAP for details.

Medicare Advantage Plan members should check their September Annual Notice of Change. Increased costs or decreased benefits for 2015 may provide an opportunity to purchase a Medigap Policy.

The pilot project Cal MediConnect begins January 1, 2015, for certain dually eligible Medi-Cal and Medicare recipients. In October, the State of California began sending notices in blue envelopes to eligible Santa Clara County dual-eligible enrollees. Please pay special attention to these notices and respond as requested.

To review Cal MediConnect benefits and your health care options, call our HICAP specialists at: (408) 350-3200, option 2.