Protecting Medicare beneficiaries: Be cautious of phone calls promoting plan switches

KINGSFORD — As Medicare’s annual open enrollment period beginning Oct. 15 approaches, local health insurance experts want to remind seniors to remain cautious about phone calls encouraging them to switch Medicare plans.

Currently, Medicare beneficiaries cannot make changes to their coverage unless they are eligible through specific circumstances.

“Medicare open enrollment starts on Oct. 15,” said Rebecca Holm, a local Medicare specialist. “Until then, the only situations that allow changes are when you turn 65, experience a significant life event that triggers a Special Enrollment Period, develop late-stage renal failure, or become eligible due to disability. If you’re not in one of these categories, be wary of anyone claiming you can make a plan change now.”

Call centers may sometimes