If you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug plan, you may only change your existing Medicare Plan during a qualified period. The Annual Election Period is the main period most people change plans. However, the Open Enrollment Period is a time you can change out of a "Medicare Advantage" plan. (See below for more details.) The only other period to make Medicare plan changes are if you qualify for a SEP (Special Election Period). To find out more about Special Election Periods or to understand if you qualify for one, read below.
Annual Election Period - Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.
- Switch, Drop, or Enroll in a Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and/or Prescription Drug plan)
Open Enrollment Period - Jan 1 - March 31.
If you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll have a one time opportunity to:
- Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan (MA-PD or MA-only)
- Disenroll from your current Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare (with or without a Part D plan) and/or add a Medicare Supplement if you so desire.
(Note: Open Enrollment Period is for Medicare Advantage Plans only). As I mentioned above you can leave your Medicare Advantage plan and switch to Original Medicare. (If you switch to Original Medicare, you can also sign up for a prescription drug plan up to March 31 as well). During this period you cannot do the following: Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan OR Switch from your current Stand Alone Drug plan to another Stand Alone Drug Plan.)
Special circumstances (SEP) Special Enrollment Periods1
You can make changes to your Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug coverage when certain events happen in your life, like if you move or you lose other insurance coverage. These chances to make changes are called Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs). Rules about when you can make changes and the type of changes you can make are different for each SEP.1
You change where you live1
- I moved to a new address that isn't in my plan's service area.
- I moved to a new address that’s still in my plan's service area, but I have new plan options in my new location.
- I moved back to the U.S. after living outside the country.
- I just moved into, currently live in, or just moved out of an institution (like a skilled nursing facility or long-term care hospital).
- I'm released from jail.
You lose your current coverage1
- I'm no longer eligible for Medicaid.
- I left coverage from my employer or union (including COBRA coverage).
- I involuntarily lose other drug coverage that's as good as Medicare drug coverage (creditable coverage), or my other coverage changes and is no longer creditable.
- I had drug coverage through a Medicare Cost Plan and I left the plan.
- I dropped my coverage in a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) plan.
You have a chance to get other coverage1
- I have a chance to enroll in other coverage offered by my employer or union.
- I have or am enrolling in other drug coverage as good as Medicare prescription drug coverage (like TRICARE or VA coverage).
- I enrolled in a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) plan.
Your plan changes its contract with Medicare1
- Medicare takes an official action (called a "sanction") because of a problem with the plan that affects me.
- Medicare ends (terminates) my plan's contract.
- My Medicare Advantage Plan, Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, or Medicare Cost Plan's contract with Medicare isn't renewed.
Other special situations1
- I'm eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.
- I qualify for Extra Help paying for Medicare prescription drug coverage.
- I'm enrolled in a State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (SPAP) or lose SPAP eligibility.
- I dropped a Medigap policy the first time I joined a Medicare Advantage Plan.
- I have a severe or disabling condition, and there’s a Medicare Chronic Care Special Needs Plan (SNP) available that serves people with my condition.
- I'm enrolled in a Special Needs Plan (SNP) and no longer have a condition that qualifies as a special need that the plan serves.
- I joined a plan, or chose not to join a plan, due to an error by a federal employee.
- I wasn't properly told that my other private drug coverage wasn't as good as Medicare drug coverage (creditable coverage).
- I wasn't properly told that I was losing private drug coverage that was as good as Medicare drug coverage (creditable coverage).
1. Source: Special circumstances (Special Enrollment Periods)
https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/when-can-i-join-a-health-or-drug-plan/special-circumstances/join-plan-special-circumstances.html
Note: Medicare Insurance information can be overwhelming and confusing to many people. As an independent licensed agent I can explain things to you in simple terms so you feel comfortable making a decision. Then I can help you choose and enroll in a plan that you feel fits your needs.
By the way, it doesn’t cost you any more if you enroll in a Medicare Insurance plan through me as an independent agent versus directly with an insurance company either over the phone or via the Internet, since I get paid by the insurance companies for your enrollment. Plus you will have personalized service by a local agent. If you would like my assistance, please call me at 941-404-5334.
By calling this number, I understand I will be directed to a licensed insurance sales agent.