Medicare Open Enrollment

Most Medicare beneficiaries do not realize they can make one more change at the beginning of each year to the way they receive their Medicare benefits. This is called the Medicare Advantage Plan Open Enrollment Period and it runs from January 1 through March 31.  This Open Enrollment Period is only for changing in or out of Medicare Advantage plans.

Why is this Open Enrollment Period Important?
There are several reasons. A Medicare beneficiary may have enrolled in a plan that they did not understand or that their doctor does not belong to. They may find that their costs under Original Medicare have increased and are seeking a less expensive option. There may be a wish to return to Original Medicare with a supplement that allows more freedom of choice. Furthermore, this is the last opportunity for most to make a change until the following year.

The Open Enrollment Period is only for changing in or out of Medicare Advantage plans.  During this time frame, one cannot enroll in Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) for the first time, drop Part D, or change from one Part D stand-alone drug plan to another.

What are the Open Enrollment Period Rules?
During the Open Enrollment Period, a person can enroll into one of these Medicare Advantage plans, disenroll from one and go back to Original Medicare, or change from one MA plan to another. To make a change, a beneficiary must only enroll in the new plan by March 31.  Disenrollment from the old plan should then happen automatically. 

If individuals wish to return to Original Medicare, they should decide how they are going to supplement their Medicare before disenrolling from the MA plan. Depending on their health condition, they may not be able to enroll in a Medigap (or Medicare supplement) policy of their choice.

Remember, there is one main caveat:
A Medicare beneficiary cannot enroll into or drop Medicare Part D, the prescription drug benefit during the Open Enrollment Period. If one has started the year with Part D, s/he must keep it for the remainder of the calendar year; likewise if one has not yet enrolled in Part D, s/he cannot do so during this time frame.

Are There Any Exceptions to the Open Enrollment Period?
People who qualify for the Low Income Subsidy (otherwise known as Extra Help for prescription drug costs) can change plans in any month of the year if they wish. This is known as a Special Enrollment Period. Beneficiaries may qualify for the Extra Help by applying through the Social Security Administration at www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp or by calling 1-800-325-0778.

North American Life Plans       425-530-3669