Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can change your Medicare coverage during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) from October 15 to December 7. You can also make changes during certain Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) if you qualify.

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for Medicare, also known as the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, is an annual period during which Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their Medicare coverage. It occurs from October 15th to December 7th each year.

During the AEP, Medicare beneficiaries have the following options:

Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C): You can switch from Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) to a Medicare Advantage Plan or switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another.

Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D): You can join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, switch from one Part D plan to another, or drop your Part D coverage altogether.

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B): If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can switch back to Original Medicare.

Medigap: If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you may be able to apply for a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policy during certain circumstances.

It's important for Medicare beneficiaries to review their current coverage and needs during the Annual Enrollment Period to make any necessary changes for the upcoming year. Any changes made during this period take effect on January 1st of the following year.

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) is a specific enrollment period that allows individuals who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan to make certain changes to their coverage.

Here's what the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period entails:

Timing: The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period occurs annually from January 1st to March 31st.

Eligibility: This enrollment period is for individuals who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan (also known as Medicare Part C). It does not apply to those with Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) or those with standalone Medicare prescription drug plans (Part D).

What Could Be Done:

Switch Plans: During the MA OEP, individuals already in a Medicare Advantage plan could switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan. For example, you might want to switch to a plan with different coverage options, costs, or network providers.

Disenroll: You could also use this period to disenroll from your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). You’ll also be able to join a separate Medicare drug plan.

Limitations: There were some limitations to what you can do during the MA OEP. For instance, you cannot switch from Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) to a Medicare Advantage Plan, switch from one standalone Part D prescription drug plan to another or enroll in a Part D plan if you have Original Medicare.

One-Time Change: It's important to note that this is a one-time opportunity during the MA OEP. In other words, you couldn't make multiple changes or switch plans multiple times during this period. The changes you make will be effective on the first day of the month after the plan gets your request.

Advantage Plans (also known as Medicare Part C) are comprehensive plans that include the same benefits of Medicare Parts A and B plus additional coverage.

▪ Part A covers hospitalization, home care and other inpatient medical needs.

▪ Part B covers outpatient care such as doctor visits, medical tests, screenings and preventive care.

Regulated by Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Medicare Advantage plans are administered through private insurers who typically give more coverage options.

Typically include drug coverage (also known as Medicare Part D).

May offer coverage in areas Original Medicare does not, such as:

▪ Routine dental care including x-rays, exams, and dentures.

▪ Vision care including glasses and contacts.

▪ Hearing care including testing and hearing aids.

▪ Wellness programs and fitness center memberships.

Original Medicare pays for many, but not all, health care services and supplies. Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) is extra insurance you can buy from a private health insurance company to help pay your share of out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. 

If you have a Medigap policy and get care, Medicare will pay its share of the Medicare-approved amounts for covered health care costs. Then, your Medigap policy pays its share. You pay the private insurance company a monthly premium for your Medigap policy in addition to the monthly Part B premium you pay to Medicare.

Medicare Supplement Insurance covers some of the gaps in Original Medicare (Medicare Parts A and B) coverage.

Medicare Part D helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. Part D is optional and only provided through private insurance companies approved by the federal government. However, Part D is offered to everyone who qualifies for Medicare. Costs and coverage may vary from plan to plan.

There are 2 ways to get Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage:

1) As a standalone prescription drug plan with Medicare: If you have Medicare Part A and Part B (also called Original Medicare), you can add a Part D prescription drug plan to your existing coverage.

2) As part of a Medicare Advantage plan (Medicare Part C): Medicare Advantage plans include all your Part A and Part B coverage. They may also include prescription drug insurance. Not all Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage, and you must already have Part A and Part B to qualify for Medicare Advantage.