What To Expect During Open Enrollment
Medicare Open Enrollment: Overview & Eligibility
Medicare's Open Enrollment, also known as the Annual Election Period or Annual Enrollment Period, allows Medicare beneficiaries to make changes to their Medicare coverage. It occurs from October 15 through December 7 each year, with changes made during this time taking effect on January 1 of the following year.
Read on for more information on an overview of the Open Enrollment Period.
Changes During Medicare Open Enrollment
During Open Enrollment, Medicare beneficiaries have multiple options to change their current Medicare coverage. These include:
- Joining a new Medicare Advantage Plan or a stand-alone prescription drug plan (Medicare Part D)
- Switching between Original Medicare with or without a Part D plan and Medicare Advantage
- Buying a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy, depending on your location and eligibility
Read on to learn more about what changes you can make during the Open Enrollment Period, including how to compare plans.
How To Prepare for Open Enrollment
While Medicare's Open Enrollment Period doesn't begin until Oct. 15, you can prepare ahead of time by understanding how your health, financial or lifestyle needs have changed, if those changes match your current coverage and if your current coverage has changed as well. Below are featured topics to consider when preparing for Medicare's Open Enrollment Period.
