Every fall, from October 15 through December 7, people with Medicare can review and change their coverage for the coming year. Here is what the window allows and how to use it well.
What you can do during Annual Enrollment
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or back
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- Join, switch or drop a Part D prescription drug plan
Changes made during this window take effect January 1.
What it does not cover
Annual Enrollment is not when most people first sign up for Medicare. That happens during your Initial Enrollment Period around your 65th birthday, or through a Special Enrollment Period if you kept employer coverage past 65. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans also follow different rules, and in many states switching Medigap plans outside your initial window may involve medical underwriting.
Why review even if you are happy
Each September your plan sends an Annual Notice of Change. Check three things:
- Premium and out-of-pocket costs for next year
- Your doctors and hospitals — are they still in network?
- Your prescriptions — are they still on the plan's drug list, and at what tier?
A plan that fit last year may not fit next year.
A five-minute checklist
- List your prescriptions with dosages
- List your doctors and preferred hospital
- Note any planned procedures for next year
- Have your Medicare card handy
- Call a licensed agent before December 7
After December 7
If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31 allows one switch to another Advantage plan or back to Original Medicare. Otherwise you generally need a qualifying event.
Talk it through
A licensed Enroll America agent explains your options in plain language, in English or Spanish, using your doctors, prescriptions and budget. No charge to call: (877) 479-6279.
Enroll America Inc is an independent licensed health insurance agency and is not affiliated with Medicare or any government agency. Source: Medicare.gov.
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