Jefferson City, Mo - The Missouri Department of Insurance wants to remind Medicare recipients they can keep a Medigap Plan C or F if they have one. Even though congressional changes to the Medicare Access CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) of 2015 prohibit the sale of the plans beginning in 2020, that prohibition only applies to newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries. Congress did not prohibit the sale of these policies to people who were already eligible or enrolled in Medicare before 2020.

"Missourians can not only can keep a Medigap Plan C or F if you have one, there is no legitimate reason for you to replace it," said John M. Huff, director of the department. "If you have enrollment questions, I strongly encourage you to contact a CLAIM representative who can help you choose a plan that best meets your needs."

CLAIM provides Missourians on Medicare and their caregivers free and unbiased help from certified counselors. Seniors can ask questions by phone or arrange one-on-one counseling by calling 800-390-3330 or visiting missouriclaim.org. Medicare open enrollment for 2016 ends on Dec.7.