Important Information
During the Open Enrollment Period (OEP), also known as Annual Election Period, Medicare beneficiaries are able to add, drop or change Medicare Advantage or Part D Prescription Drug plan coverage. Unlike previous years in which the OEP operated from November 15th until December 31st, the OEP now runs between October 15th and December 7th. Medicare beneficiaries must complete their Medicare Advantage and Part D Prescription plan changes by December 7th.
Dates to Remember
October 1
Medicare Advantage and Part D Prescription Drug plans released with new premium and benefit design information for the coming year.
October 15
Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP) begins. Medicare Advantage and Part D Prescription Drug plans begin accepting applications for the upcoming plan year.
December 7
Medicare Open Enrollment Period officially ends. The last day Medicare Advantage and Part D Prescription Drug plans are able to accept applications for the coming plan year.
January 1
Medicare Advantage and Part D Prescription Drug plans become effective for the new plan year.
January 1 – February 14
This is the Medicare Annual Disenrollment Period (MADP) – a time when Medicare Advantage plans may be dropped and the policyholder may return only to Original Medicare. Part D Prescription Drug plans may be purchased if a drug plan was originally part of the Medicare Advantage plan.
The process of finding your Medicare insurance solution can seem overwhelming.
There are many different types of Medicare insurance plans available today. Before you start shopping and comparing plans, it is important to understand that physicians and hospitals usually only participate with certain Medicare insurance plans.
- Identify the Medicare plans accepted by your physicians and hospital.
- Send you detailed Medicare plan information by email or mail.
- Provide free and easy access to Medicare Insurance Specialists who can answer questions and help you compare available Medicare plans.
- Complete the application and enrollment process with the Medicare insurance plan of your choice.
