A. Background

Official source

From 1987 through November 14, 2005, Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in managed care plans were able to disenroll from those plans at Social Security field offices (FOs). The Sixth Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act passed in 1986 included this provision to allow Medicare beneficiaries the opportunity to go to a “neutral” third party to disenroll from Managed Care Plans. Beneficiaries could also disenroll directly from the plans during that timeframe. (Refer to HI 00208.069B. )

Beginning November 15, 2005, these disenrollments are handled by 1-800-MEDICARE, not SSA. In addition, 1-800-MEDICARE is able to accept enrollment requests for Medicare prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans offering Medicare prescription drug coverage. Individuals may submit enrollment requests through the new CMS Online Enrollment Center as well. In addition, 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048) serves as a centralized resource to provide individuals information on Medicare health plan options, based on the needs of the beneficiary.

Beginning November 15, 2005, SSA representatives cannot input or transmit Medicare managed care disenrollment requests into the SSA system, i.e. via the Post Entitlement System (POS) and TC 24015.040.

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A. Background

Official source

From 1987 through November 14, 2005, Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in managed care plans were able to disenroll from those plans at Social Security field offices (FOs). The Sixth Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act passed in 1986 included this provision to allow Medicare beneficiaries the opportunity to go to a “neutral” third party to disenroll from Managed Care Plans. Beneficiaries could also disenroll directly from the plans during that timeframe. (Refer to HI 00208.069B. )

Beginning November 15, 2005, these disenrollments are handled by 1-800-MEDICARE, not SSA. In addition, 1-800-MEDICARE is able to accept enrollment requests for Medicare prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans offering Medicare prescription drug coverage. Individuals may submit enrollment requests through the new CMS Online Enrollment Center as well. In addition, 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048) serves as a centralized resource to provide individuals information on Medicare health plan options, based on the needs of the beneficiary.

Beginning November 15, 2005, SSA representatives cannot input or transmit Medicare managed care disenrollment requests into the SSA system, i.e. via the Post Entitlement System (POS) and TC 24015.040.