Although Medicare’s annual Open Enrollment period has ended, it’s not too late for certain Medicare beneficiaries to make changes for 2014.

Between Jan. 1 and Feb. 14 each year, people currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan who wish to return to Original Medicare can disenroll from their Medicare Advantage plan, return to Original Medicare, and join a Part D drug plan. (In western Nevada County, the only Medicare Advantage Plan in 2014 is the AARP MedicareComplete SecureHorizons HMO.)

If beneficiaries who qualify for the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period decide to make this change, their new plan becomes effective the first day of the month following their enrollment request.

Anyone in need of assistance choosing a new plan for 2014 is welcome to make a free HICAP counseling appointment by calling the HelpLine office at 530-273-2273.

HICAP is a nonprofit organization that provides free, unbiased, one-on-one counseling to Medicare beneficiaries, including people who are new to Medicare.

Karin Hofland, Nevada County regional coordinator

HICAP Services of Northern California

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Not too late for certain Medicare beneficiaries to make changes