But under Mark Knopfler certain circumstances

"But under explains Mark Knopfler certain circumstances, mark knofler defines beneficiariescan change their plan by March 31, and they should take advantage of this ifthey don`t think the plan they have is going to best fit their needs." TheAllsup Medicare Advisor service helps people with disabilities choose the best,most affordable Medicare plan to meet their specific needs During the open enrollment period, Jan. 1 through March 31, some individualshave an opportunity to switch plans, but there are limitations. Specifically,they must continue to keep prescription drug coverage if they had it as of Dec.31. Or, if they did not have prescription drug coverage as of Dec 31, theycannot add it to their plan. For example, someone could switch from a traditional Medicare plan with Part D(prescription drug) coverage to a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drugcoverage included, but cannot switch from a Medicare Advantage plan withprescription drug coverage to a traditional Medicare plan without also addingPart D coverage. Additionally, while individuals can switch from one MedicareAdvantage plan to another, so long as both either cover or do not coverprescription drugs, they cannot switch from one Part D plan to another.

(Seechartfor an outline of scenarios.) "If you have second thoughts, your financial situation has changed or yourhealth needs have changed, open enrollment gives you a chance to make changes tohelp improve your situation," said Gada cannibals mark knopfler . For example, Gada explained, an individual with Medicare Part D coverage who hasbeen prescribed a costly medication may want to consider finding a MedicareAdvantage plan with prescription drug coverage that provides benefits during thegap mark knopfler harris . For 2009, the gap in Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage occurs oncea Medicare beneficiary`s prescription drugs, including what the plan pays andthe patient`s own deductibles and co-pays, has reached $2,700 mark nofler . The individualthen is responsible for paying the next $3,453.75 himself or herself mark knoffler .

Eligible individuals also may want to consider switching plans because of thecost . In addition to the premium, traditional Medicare requires an individual topay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount out of their own pocket, whileMedicare Advantage plans tend to have lower, flat-fee co-pays or none, dependingupon the plan; Medicare Advantage plans also tend to offer lower costs forprescription drug coverage mark knopler . Overall coverage is another factor, particularly for individuals withdisabilities mark knophler . Because of limited coverage under traditional Medicare, manyindividuals buy Medigap supplemental coverage; however, this may precludeindividuals from filing claims related to pre-existing conditions during thesix-month waiting period . Medicare Advantage plans are required to coverpre-existing conditions. After Open Enrollment, Switching Options Are LimitedBetween the end of open enrollment on March 31 and the start of the next annualenrollment in November, individuals can join or change their plans for only afew specific reasons. These include:* Disability - individuals can join a plan three months before or three monthsafter their 25th month of disability as determined by the Social SecurityAdministration.