Did You Miss Medicare AEP? Here’s What to Do…

Sometimes we have the best intentions to get things done, but then life has other plans. If you got busy and forgot about the Medicare Annual Election Period, you might still have some opportunities to make changes to your plan(s). Of course, that will depend upon the specifics of your situation. But two common options available to many people include…

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you actually do have another chance to review your plan, investigate other plans, and make a switch if you decide it’s necessary. During the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, from January 1 to March 31, anyone enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can switch to a different Advantage plan. You can also drop Advantage and go back to Original Medicare (Parts A and B) if you prefer. And if you go back to Original Medicare, you can also add a Part D (prescription drugs) plan.

Unfortunately, if you’re already enrolled in Original Medicare, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period does not apply to you. So you will have to wait until AEP in the fall if you want to change your plan, or qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Medicare Special Enrollment Period. Luckily, the Medicare program recognizes that various things can happen in life, that necessitate a change in health insurance coverage. Various circumstances might qualify you for a Medicare Special Enrollment Period at any point during the year, outside of AEP and Open Enrollment. These circumstances might include moving to a new service area, moving into or out of a nursing home, or being diagnosed with certain medical conditions that allow you to enroll in a Special Needs Plan. Other conditions might also qualify you. If anything has changed within your personal life or medical status, call one of our experienced insurance brokers to discuss whether you could be eligible for this type of enrollment.