How do I enroll during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?

It's time for the Fall Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)! This may seem like a whirlwind if you're new to Medicare or haven't heard of the AEP before. When does the AEP open and close? What is the AEP? Most crucially, who can guide your decision regarding a plan?

What is the Annual Enrollment Period?

The Fall Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 to December 7 every year. This is your chance to make changes to your Medicare plan!

During AEP you can:

• Enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan if you have Original Medicare (Parts A and B).
• Return to original Medicare from a Medicare Advantage plan by not renewing for the next calendar year.
• Move from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
• Enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
• Switch from one Part D plan to another.
• Drop your Part D plan completely.

You could change your plan if your coverage is changing or if you're dissatisfied with it. Comparing various plans can also enable you to get better coverage or financial savings. Any modifications you make to coverage take effect on January 1 of the subsequent year.

Each October, information about the upcoming year's health and drug plans becomes available.

When researching AEP, you may see it called a few different names. Don't worry, they're all referring to the same period of time. Alternative AEP names you might see or hear include:

• Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
• Annual Coordinated Election Period
• Open Enrollment Period (OEP)
• Fall Open Enrollment Season

Can I make changes outside of the AEP?

Once the Annual Enrollment period ends, you may still be able to make changes to your coverage. For example, January 1 to March 31 is the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP). During this time, you may be able to make a one-time switch to a new Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan or return to Original Medicare without incurring a penalty.

If any number of special circumstances apply to you, you may make changes to your Medicare and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans by using a Special Election Period (SEP).

MedHelpCenter.us recommends that you call the Senior Health Insurance Agency at 813-592-8568 for further explanation.