A consumer awareness effort focused on ways to change from Medicare Advantage to Medicare Supplement is being undertaken by the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance.

"Our conversations with consumers found there are many misconceptions about Medicare insurance options," explains Jesse Slome, director of the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance (AAMSI).  "We strive to help simplify the process of educating consumers and clearing up some of the confusion."

The Association director notes that many people failed to understand the importance of first decisions made when becoming Medicare eligible.  "First, many consumers confuse or do not understand the differences between Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare coupled with Medicare Supplement insurance.  To them they all are the same."

Slome explains that the selection one makes when turning 65 can impact their health care choices and options for the rest of life.  "You could be locked in to whatever you choose and that may or may not be suitable, but certainly it's something to know about when making your choice," Slome adds.

The Association today undertook an awareness initiative to create awareness of opportunities to change from Medicare Advantage plan coverage back to original Medicare with Medicare Supplement insurance.   "In particular, we want to focus on some of the guarantee issue opportunities when a consumer can make the change without concern about prior or current health conditions that could require a higher insurance premium," Slome adds.

"We strongly believe that a consumer's most important step is choosing to work with a knowledgeable Medicare insurance agent who is willing to educate first," Slome suggests.  The Association maintains the nation's leading online directory where consumers can find local Medicare Supplement agents.  Access is free and no sign-in is required.

Jesse Slome is director of the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance and the National Advisory Center for Short-Term Care Information.