Find out about Medicare Open Enrollment
Medicare Open Enrollment (also called “Annual Election Period,” or AEP) starts earlier this year!
The new dates are October 15th – December 7th, 2011.
Enrollment changes must be made within these dates, but the new plan will not be effective until January 1st, 2012.
What exactly is Medicare Open Enrollment?
The open enrollment, or “Annual Election Period” was actually set up as an time to join, switch, or drop a Medicare prescription drug plan. Since most Medicare Advantage Plans include prescription coverage (Medicare Part D), this is the only available time to make changes in Medicare Advantage coverage that includes Part D.
Who can make changes during Medicare Open Enrollment?
If you are on Original Medicare, you can join, switch, or drop a Part D prescription plan, or enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan.
If you are on Original Medicare plus a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan, you may join, switch, or drop your prescription plan, or join a Medicare Advantage Plan. (You are required to cancel your Medicare Supplement; you will not be automatically disenrolled when you join another plan).
Medicare Advantage
If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you may drop your current plan, or switch to another plan.
!! Be aware that if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, and it includes prescription coverage, enrolling in a stand-alone drug plan would disenroll you from your Advantage Plan, and return you to Original Medicare.
Where do Medicare Supplements fit in?
Medicare Supplements, or Medigap plans are additional coverage through a private insurance company to pay all or part of what Medicare doesn’t cover.
Since Medicare Supplements do not include Medicare Prescription plans, you can change plans anytime throughout the year. However, with Medicare Supplements, you are subject to Underwriting. That means you can be denied coverage based on your prior health history. However, there are special times that allow you guaranteed issue.
Learn more about the California guidelines for Guaranteed issue for Medicare Supplements.
The source for the information contained in this article is the 2011 Medicare and You Handbook.
(*This article is for informational purposes only. Contact an authorized agent or Medicare before making changes to your plan).
Not sure what health plan you are enrolled in? You can call 1-800-MEDICARE or enroll in My Medicare at Medicare.gov to see your personal Medicare history.
More about My Medicare
Questions? Need help?
Call Toll Free 888.520.8683
Pamela Cook
Authorized Independent Agent
CA Insurance 0G04182
