Why Should You Kick the Habit Before OEP?

Posted on by Steven Verrier

You can’t go wrong by stopping smoking anytime, but if you’re a smoker you really ought to consider kicking the habit before this year’s Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP).

Just to make sure you’re up on what an OEP (aka AEP, or Annual Enrollment Period) is, here’s a primer:

Kick the Habit-Smashed Cigarette

During an OEP/AEP, if you’re enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B you can:

  •  Join a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan or change form one drug plan to another
  •  Discontinue Part D coverage
  • Switch from Original Medicare (Medicare Parts A and B) to a Medicare Advantage Plan
  •  Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare
  • Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another

Though the annual OEP used to extend to the end of December, this year’s Open Enrollment will end on December 7. After that you’ll have to wait until the next year’s Open Enrollment Period to change your coverage unless you’re able to qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).

Note: You don’t have to wait until the 2012 AEP if you want to join or leave a Medicare supplement plan. Normally, you’re able to join or leave a Medigap plan at any time of the year.

Now back to smoking. Why should you quit smoking before Open Enrollment? It’s simple. Not only will you reap the potential health benefits of quitting, but you’ll be in a great position to save a lot of money next year. Did you know nonsmokers can save up to 20% on some health plan premiums? For good reason, nonsmokers are in a much better position than smokers when it comes to shopping around for the best savings in health plans and premiums.

In an earlier post, we discussed the dangers of smoking and the benefits of quitting.  Medicare’s smoking cessation service  has helped many Americans kick the habit even after decades of smoking.

Smoking is a habit that too often costs good health, years of life, and thousands of dollars. The benefits of kicking the habit are indisputable. Why not do it before this year’s Open Enrollment Period and save some money while saving your health? Chances are you’ll feel a lot better financially and physically. Your heart and lungs are sure to thank you, and you’ll probably be amazed by how much easier it is to walk, jog, garden, and do a lot of other aerobic activities that smoking made so difficult.

Have you made a resolution to kick the habit before this year’s OEP? If so, leave a message so we can join in the celebration!

Why Should You Kick the Habit Before OEP? © 2012 MedicareMall.com