Highmark reminds consumers of Medicare deadline

Elibible individuals must enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan by Dec. 7.

PITTSBURGH (Nov. 22, 2019) — With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, families and friends will soon be gathering to celebrate.

In between the food and the football, Highmark is reminding Medicare-eligible individuals that Thanksgiving gatherings are the perfect time to talk with family and friends about 2020 Medicare coverage options.

"Although the Annual Enrollment Period runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, we’ve found that most Medicare-eligible individuals wait until after Thanksgiving to enroll in a plan," said Ellen Galardy, vice president, senior markets strategy at Highmark.

To help consumers find the right coverage, Galardy said the Highmark Direct stores will be open on Black Friday, Nov. 29. Highmark has also extended the hours for its phone representatives through the end of the Annual Enrollment Period on Dec. 7. Medicare-eligible individuals can call toll-free 1-844-731-8321 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. (7 a.m. to 1 a.m. from Dec. 2-6) 7 days a week to learn more or sign up for coverage.

For 2020, Highmark has lowered premiums and improved benefits for many of its Medicare Advantage products, and continues to offer $0 premium plan options as well. Enhancements next year include lower out of pocket costs as well as more coverage for extras like hearing, vision and dental.

Medicare Advantage plans cover the same hospital and medical services as traditional Medicare Parts A and B, but unlike traditional Medicare, they limit the amount a consumer is required to spend out of pocket. They have other advantages as well. Because Medicare Advantage plans emphasize preventive health, they cover annual physicals and preventive health screenings free of charge. There are also no referrals or deductibles on Highmark Medicare Advantage plans making them easy to understand and simple to use.

Detailed descriptions of all Highmark Medicare Advantage plans, including network and pricing are available at Shop.Highmark.com/Medicare. Consumers can also visit the site to find information about upcoming Medicare Advantage seminars and the nearest location of a Highmark Direct Store.