The Medicare enrollment period is a specific time period in the year that allows eligible individuals to join, change, or end their Medicare plan. This includes Original Medicare, or Medicare Plan A and Medicare Plan B, as well as Medicare Plan C or the Medicare Advantage plans offered by private insurance companies. Part D Medicare, for prescription coverage, is also available at this time.
Initial Enrollment Period
The initial enrollment period is the time when you first become eligible for Medicare coverage. This includes a seven month period that begins three months before the month you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and the next three months.
Depending on when you join in this initial enrollment period, your coverage will start the 1st day of your 65th birthday month, the first day of the month after your 65th birthday month, or the first day of the next month when you joined the plan. This is with respect to the three blocks of time in which you can initially enroll.
The Annual Medicare Enrollment Period
The annual Medicare enrollment period is from October 15th to December 7th every year. This is the same for all individuals regardless of when they initially enrolled or started to receive Medicare.
This is an ideal time to meet with our team. We can help you to evaluate your current Medicare coverage and determine if there is a better option in a Medicare Advantage Plan based on your current and future healthcare needs.
For some individuals, switching from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare, or vice versa, may also be an essential consideration. Individuals can also opt to join a Medicare drug plan or drop Medicare drug coverage during this period.
To schedule a review of your current Medicare coverage and plan features, call us today at 623-777-3315.