When can changes be made to Medicare coverage?
Here are some answers to questions about Medicare coverage.
When can I make changes to my Medicare coverage?
There are certain times when you can make these changes; some of these time periods are different depending on the type of Medicare plan. For Medicare Advantage (also known as Medicare Part C) and Medicare prescription drug plans, (also known as Part D) there’s an Annual Election Period (AEP) when you can sign up for, change, or disenroll from these plans.
The Annual Election Period for Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug coverage runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year. If you didn’t sign up for one of these plans when you first became eligible for Medicare (during your Initial Enrollment Period), the AEP is generally your chance to make these changes, unless you qualify for a Special Election Period (SEP).
If you have a Medicare Supplement Plan, you can change that any time during the year if you can pass underwriting. (health questions)
What changes can I make during the AEP?
Here’s a quick rundown of what you can do during the Annual Election Period:
Change to a Medicare Advantage plan from Original Medicare, Part A and Part B.
Change from a Medicare Advantage plan to Original Medicare, Part A and Part B.
Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another (regardless of whether either plan offers drug coverage).
Enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan.
Change from one Medicare prescription drug plan to another.
Opt out of Medicare prescription drug coverage completely.
Changes you make during the AEP go into effect Jan. 1.