I can't believe I forgot open enrollment. Any advice?

suzeeQ;

I can certainly feel your pain and discomfort! Physically caring for mom was not going to be on my plate, but 2+ years ago it was time to take over her finances and other paperwork. I temporarily forwarded her mail to me so that I could change the billing addresses. USPS sent her a notice to this effect and she was not happy - "I get stuff in the mail besides bills!" Yes mom, but this is only for about a month, to get the bills. We got past that, with the exception of things that do not get billed monthly AND all federal stuff (you CANNOT forward these items AND they do not honor any kind of POA - they have their own forms.) So going on three years now I am still trying to get all paperwork and contact information done.

As for the doctor office telling you he was not covered - ALWAYS start with THEM. Usually this is a mistake THEY made. If nothing else they can provide more detail. When I was laid off and on COBRA, I was told I was not covered by a doctor's office. They were correct, in a sense. It took several months and multiple calls before I finally determined that those handling my COBRA insurance required payment be in hand well before the 1st. I had set up bill payment to be made before the 1st, but it can take a few days to process. On finally being told this, I had to back my payments off to ensure they had it at least a week before. Otherwise they would cancel and then reinstate it. How stupid is that? More work for them! Even worse, previous rules would not allow you to have it reinstated!!

What others have said is true - open enrollment is indeed for making changes and if nothing is to be changed, you get rolled over, as you discovered. You really do not have to do anything unless you want to make changes. HOWEVER, BEWARE! In my own case the Medicare Advantage plan I was enrolled in was being discontinued. In this instance I HAD to enroll in something else, there was no default plan (other than just plain old Medicare, which does not cover enough.) The insurance provider did send multiple mailings to ensure I was aware of this. I believe Medicare sent something as well, but more on the lines of this will be your new deduction, because the MA plan was not included in that.

As for federal entities (SS, Medicare, IRS, VA and in our case a pension) you have to file THEIR forms. The pension took TWO years of back and forth with paperwork to finally get my name on as mom's representative. SS/Medicare required an in-office appointment. THAT was easy enough, however they require a special account to be opened that ONLY has SS funds and yearly reporting (more if they request it.) The credit union does not do this often so they have a cheat sheet...but I told them they need a cheat sheet for their cheat sheet - this took TWO hours to set up and three days later they called and said they had to close the account because my paperwork was the application, not the confirmation letter. I have since had it reopened, but now cannot create an online account for it because I have my own account there and the SS # is blocking it. *SIGH* I am still waiting for call back on resolution for this. While on the online topic, beware - you are not allowed to open a Medicare/SS online account for someone else (I asked when applying for representative.) This likely applies to the others as well (basically you would be implying that YOU are the person and that is not legal.) I do have other online accounts, but for the most part I mostly stick to the CU account and use it to pay the bills. The IRS keeps sending the forms back to my mother's address, so I do not see them until I get there. After several attempts, I called and it sounds like if we just file her taxes this year with me signing as representative and use the new address, we can get past all that crap. Our discussion included that I am just going to sit on the latest returned forms and mailings and see what happens when her taxes are filed. Application for VA benefits was sent out late November and so far no contact has been made, so that is another wave waiting to hit me.

Never heard the 'bees in the blood' expression, but I liken what I am going through (sounds like you are in the same situation, handling bills and paperwork and that alone is often difficult, frustrating and nerve-wracking - I cannot even imagine trying to provide care-giving and/or working as well!) to being afloat in the ocean and just when I think I might make it to shore, a large wave hits me and pushes me back out to sea!!! The latest wave, which might be a phantom, is when calling the SS office to make future payments electronic (again, THIS part was easy), she heard me mention the federal pension and questioned it (there are SS income penalties if you have a government, whether state, local or federal, pension, but I think she is wrong) because she says there is no record of it - there were provisions back in the day... We shall see if this wave dissipates...

I think you also mentioned no help from siblings and/or family. Yup. My older brother would provide more help, but he lives too far away to help with any of the paperwork, and unfortunately was never added as POA. The younger brother is still working (10 years younger) and is kind of scatter-brained dealing with his own affairs, so although he is also assigned as POA, I would not want him taking over any bills or paperwork. More than likely he would not keep up! Now, if he would provide more help in cleaning out mom's condo... It has been a year and we are still not done (it is about 1.5 hour drive for me each way and I cannot handle anything heavy, so I do not get there often and cannot remove a lot due to weight).

So, anyway, hang in there suzeeQ (and any others floating in the ocean with me!) You *should* file any and all paperwork for DPOA/MPOA with non-federal entities, including the insurance company, so that you can deal with them directly (mom is the same as your dad, cannot hear on the phone, so that is another challenge - getting the POA setup helps with that since you won't need him to discuss anything with them.) For the federal (SS/Medicare/VA/IRS) you will need to file their forms (SS required in-office application.) You do not mention dementia and say that he is still living at home, so if you do not already have DPOA and MPOA, a visit to an Elder Care attorney is advised! That would cover a lot - all billing, normal paperwork, insurance, doctors, etc. Also, if he owns property and has any savings, it would be wise to set up a trust to protect all the assets. The EC attorney can discuss that with you.

I am still hopeful that one day this will all be squared away and just require bill updates and monitoring... Hoping... :-}

firstly, the mail goes to you and when he is sleeping, bring him all the junk mail and whatever else you don't require and put that in his mailbox, if you must have a bill for him, you open it carefully and reseal it. been there, done that!

If you didn't cancel his insurance - it will automatically renew! You didn't screw up!

Sit down, put your feet up and have a cup of *whatever*

Worst case scenario is there might have been a cheaper plan. But you did NOT screw up.

suzeeQ: We all, at one time or another, feel like "we're going down with the ship," but we don't. We RALLY!

suzeeQ: There is absolutely no need to get in a panic mode. Open enrollment is for those who don't have Medicare or for those who want to make changes.

I'm so happy this worked out. I could feel your panic as I read this. I too feel that I'm pedaling as fast as I can!!

i called his insurance company as soon as they opened after the holiday. when they told me everything had rolled over, and that he was covered, i started crying... then the insurance rep started crying...oh my lord i feel like this is taking years off my life.

Bees in my blood...yep, that pretty much sums it up!!!

I completely messed up mom's finances for a whole year once. Took forever to get it settled and get mom her money. I felt sick with guilt and fear the entire time. Same problem, didn't get all the mail from mom....
Glad it's all OK. Happy new year!

@SuzyC1957
"Bees in the blood"
perfect description.

If you have questions about your Dad's Medicare Health Ins. Check with you local Office for Aging or whatever it is called in your state. They have people that specifically deal with Medicare and can help you if there is anything you need to do.

Since you are obviously online I suggest you set up online accounts for absolutely everything of your father's. Then so what if he gets his #!$@ mail. You will know what's what. Also, if you haven't done so, get as many of his regular expenses on autopay. You have a tough job. Make it a little easier. If you must, tell a white lie and say autopay is the new rule and if he chooses not to there will be an additional processing fee. That's what I did with my mother. You will rest easier knowing that the bills are paid and you can check on it even if you are on a well deserved vacation.

Glad all worked out. As said, open enrollment is just if you want to change insurance.

If you qualify for Medicare Part D (prescription drugs), you can ALWAYS enroll or change to a plan offered by a company CMS has rated as 5 stars--best in class. (This doesn't apply to those who have a Medicare Advantage plan)

This is from "Your Guide to Medicare Private Fee for Service Plans" produced by CMS (government) https://www.medicare.gov/pubs/pdf/10144.pdf

You can join, switch, or leave a Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plan
• when you first become eligible for Medicare (three months before you
turn age 65 to three months after the month you turn age 65). If you get
Medicare due to a disability, you can join during the three months before
to three months after your 25th month of cash disability payments.
• from November 15–December 31 each year. Your coverage will begin on
January 1 of the following year.
• from January 1–March 31 of each year. However, you can’t add or
change to a plan with prescription drug coverage during this time unless
you already have Medicare prescription drug coverage.
In certain situations, you may be able to join, switch, or leave Medicare
Private Fee-for-Service Plans at other times (like if you move, have both
Medicare and Medicaid, or live in an institution).
You can’t remain a member of a plan if you move out of the plan’s service
area. However, if you like your coverage, check with the insurance
company to see if they offer a plan in your new area. Or you can choose to
join another Medicare Advantage Plan if one is available in your new area.

Hope that helps

suzeeQ, I was so anxious for you when I read your panicked post. I’m glad it worked out, and I am so sorry you had to bear such anxiety. Hugs to you.

SueC1957, I never heard the expression “bees in my blood” but it sure is perfect!

glad to hear it worked out. We all have moments of panic as caregivers. You are not alone.

Well SuzeeQ...l feel it is ok to vent....when l read your text...l thought.. .wow that brought back to what l felt when l was mom's caregiver...l had aging care or l would not have made it out of this caregiving stint. For over 4yrs there was never any positivity in my life, an l still struggle with negativity with my bipolar son.....it is not easy, by faith & an my determination alone is how it works for me!

@SueC1957 Thanks, and I honestly don't know if I'll ever feel calm again. I just wrote a long rant, then erased it. No reason to bring anyone else down. God bless all of you. I wonder sometimes if there's a special place in hell for those who dump life's worst tasks on big hearted people who'd do anything for their loved ones because they can't stand to see them suffer. I like your advice to give credit for keeping it all together. Same to all of you here. Do your best not to go down with the ship. I'm certain that's not what our loved ones would want.

SuzeeQ, thanks for coming back to tell us it all worked out. Good news is in short supply on here...

SuzeeQ,
Now, have a glass of wine 🍷(it's 5 pm somewhere) and give yourself credit for keeping everything together.

I know I feel like I have bees in my blood due to having to remember everything for my mom and husband.
😜 🐝🐝🐝🐝

Will we ever feel "calm" again?

fyi, talkey was right. it automatically renewed. no need to re-enroll unless he wanted a different plan. phew!!!

@sendhelp, a neighbor set off fireworks at midnight for new years.

You are all so kind. Thank you. I hope you're right. The thought that we'd have to pay out of pocket for dialysis and whatever happens with the biopsy, is just completely overwhelming.

The way mine worked was that if I didn't choose, my insurance company that I had for 2017 would choose a default plan that was as close to last year's plan as they had. I think you're in good shape, especially since you paid the bill.

Why are the fireworks going off, SuzeeQ?

Go to the fridge, take a drink of something cool. Happy New Year!

Let's toast to happier days ahead in 2018!

Now, put your jammies on, and go to bed! I just know you haven't slept at all this year!

Usually the default is to automatically be reenrolled unless you specifically change companies. Put your panic aside until you can talk to the insurance company after the holidays.

You paid the bill.
Open enrollment is, I believe, for people who did not yet have health insurance, or who wanted to change it.
From what I understand, if you do not choose, a choice will be made for you?
Since you already paid, that IS your Dad's insurance.
Use the same cards. Call Health Care Options to confirm.

At least, that is how my logic works. They cashed the check.

OK, if someone is on Medicaid, low income, requiring "Extra help", they were in the past, exempt from open enrollment. But getting them "whomever is on the other end of the phone" to acknowledge exemption from the time period given for open enrollment is near impossible.

Call the Center for Health Care Rights if you get any grief!!

Remember my favorite motto:
"What can be done by paperwork, can be undone by more paperwork."

If you don't get a new copy of the health insurance card, ask for one.
WHO did you send the check to? Call them.

A doctor's office can confirm insurance coverage in minutes at your visit. Ask for a copy.