Below are answers to 5 common questions

ROME, Ga., Oct. 16, 2024 – Enrolling and understanding Medicare coverage may seem like a stressful task. However, educating yourself about what to expect during enrollment can help simplify the process.

Here are five things you should know about Medicare Annual Open Enrollment:

1. What is Medicare Annual Open Enrollment?

The Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Period, also referred to as the Annual Election Period (AEP), runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. Individuals who are already enrolled in Medicare can make several changes to their coverage during this time. Changes made during AEP take effect Jan. 1 of the following year.

2. What changes can you make during AEP?

During AEP, a beneficiary can do the following:

• Switch Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C)
• Switch from Original Medicare (Part A & B) to Medicare Advantage (Part C)
• Switch from Medicare Advantage (Part C) back to Original Medicare
• Change Medicare prescription drug plans (Part D)
• Enroll in or opt out of Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) coverage entirely

3. What is the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)?

The Annual Notice of Change letters are mailed to individuals no later than September 30 if they have a current Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) or prescription drug (Part D) plan.

This notice will inform you what is changing in your current plan for the following year. Typically, the cover letter in the packet provides a summary list of changes comparing the current year's benefits to following year's benefits.

4. How do you know if you need to change plans?

Review and Adjust Coverage: Even if you don't want to make major changes, it's a good time to review your current plan, premiums, coverage, and drug formularies as they can change from year to year.

There may be several reasons to evaluate changing your plan during AEP, such as:

• Your monthly plan premium cost is going up.
• Your co-pays are significantly increasing.
• You find a plan with greater benefits and/or lower annual maximum out of pocket costs.
• Your doctors and/or preferred hospital are no longer in your plan's network.
• Your preferred pharmacies are no longer in network.
• One of your prescription medications will no longer be covered by your plan.

It's essential to review your health care needs and the changes in plan offerings carefully during the AEP to ensure you have the most suitable coverage for the upcoming year.

5. What are available Medicare resources?

• To view and compare 2025 available plans in your area, visit the Medicare plan finder at medicare.gov/plan-compare or call 1-800-MEDICARE after October 1.

 ​​About Atrium Health Floyd
The Atrium Health Floyd family of health care services is a leading medical provider and economic force in northwest Georgia and northeast Alabama. Atrium Health Floyd is part of Charlotte, North Carolina-based Advocate Health, the third-largest nonprofit health system in the United States, created from the combination of Atrium Health and Advocate Aurora Health. Atrium Health Floyd employs more than 3,500 teammates who provide care in over 40 medical specialties at three hospitals: Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center – a 304-bed full-service, acute care hospital and regional referral center in Rome, Georgia; Atrium Health Floyd Polk Medical Center in Cedartown, Georgia; and Atrium Health Floyd Cherokee Medical Center in Centre, Alabama; as well as Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center Behavioral Health – a freestanding 53-bed behavioral health facility in Rome – and also primary care and urgent care network locations throughout northwest Georgia and northeast Alabama. Atrium Health Floyd also operates a stand-alone emergency department in Chattooga County, the first such facility to be built from the ground-up in Georgia.

About Atrium Health 
Atrium Health is a nationally recognized leader in shaping health outcomes through innovative research, education and compassionate patient care. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Atrium Health is part of Advocate Health, the third-largest nonprofit health system in the United States, which was created from the combination with Advocate Aurora Health. A recognized leader in experiential medical education and groundbreaking research, Wake Forest University School of Medicine is its academic core. Atrium Health is renowned for its top-ranked pediatric, cancer and heart care, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Atrium Health is also a leading-edge innovator in virtual care and mobile medicine, providing care close to home and in the home. Ranked nationally among U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals in eight pediatric specialties and for rehabilitation, Atrium Health has also received the American Hospital Association's Quest for Quality Prize and its 2021 Carolyn Boone Lewis Equity of Care Award, as well as the 2020 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Health Equity Award for its efforts to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in care. With a commitment to every community it serves, Atrium Health seeks to improve health, elevate hope and advance healing – for all, providing $2.8 billion last year in free and uncompensated care and other community benefits. 

About Advocate Health 
Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit integrated health system in the United States – created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois, Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama, and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation's largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides nearly $6 billion in annual community benefits.