The annual Medicare Enrollment period, October 15 – December 7, is when seniors with traditional Medicare or Medicare Advantage can shop for a better value in their medical and prescription drugs plans and change their coverage for the next year.
People in traditional Medicare can use the open enrollment period to find and enroll in a Medicare supplement plan (Medigap) with a lower premium, provided the insurer will not reject them for a pre-existing health condition or charge a higher premium. (Traditional Medicare participants can also apply for a Medigap plan anytime during the year.)
Age 65 and older individuals can purchase a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan or switch between Part D plans during the enrollment period. They can also switch from traditional Medicare into a Medicare Advantage plan, with or without Part D coverage.
"How To Instructions" to look for Medigap Plans on Medicare.gov [Video 1:48]
People who are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan may elect to use the enrollment period to choose a different Medicare Advantage plan or switch to traditional Medicare and purchase a Medicare Part D plan. They may also consider purchasing a Medigap plan if the option is available to them.
Medicare Advantage enrollees who decide to switch to traditional Medicare within 12 months of first enrolling in Medicare advantage have a right to purchase a Medigap policy without regard to medical history. However, after 12 months, they are not guaranteed Medigap coverage and may be denied a policy due to a pre-existing condition or face higher Medigap premiums if they are offered a policy.
The NRLN will continue to provide information...
... leading up to the enrollment period. Let us know with an email to contact@nrln.org if there is information you would like to see the NRLN provide that could be useful to you during open enrollment.
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