The Medicare open enrollment period has begun, giving beneficiaries a chance to determine the best coverage options to meet their health care needs for 2011. The annual open enrollment period runs from today (Nov. 15) through Dec. 31.

Kathleen Sebelius

Because of the passage of federal health reform in March, a number of changes have taken place in plan benefits, according to a statement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). As a result, federal officials encouraged current or newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries, including people with Original Medicare, to review their current health and prescription drug coverage, compare health and drug plan options available in their area, and choose coverage that best meet their needs.

“The Affordable Care Act will make Medicare stronger and more sustainable,” said U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “There will be new benefits available to nearly every person with Medicare starting in January 2011.”

Those beefed up benefits include free annual wellness visits and free recommended preventive services like mammograms and colonoscopies.

Seniors who fall into the donut hole in 2011 will be eligible for a 50% discount on brand-name prescription drugs.

“These new benefits make this year’s Medicare Open Enrollment Period especially important,” Sebelius said.