When’s the Medicare Open Enrollment Period?

Every year, Medicare’s open enrollment period is October 15 – December 7.

Every year Medicare gives beneficiaries a window of opportunity to shop around and determine if their current Medicare plan is still the best one for them. During Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period beneficiaries can freely enroll in or switch plans.

Why Should I Use the Fall Medicare Open Enrollment Period?

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Part D policy, your benefits and costs can change yearly. The Fall Medicare Open Enrollment Period (Annual Enrollment Period) allows you to change your existing coverage if you are not pleased with those changes. When changing a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, you will never need to answer underwriting health questions. Therefore, carriers cannot deny you a policy based on your health.

During the Fall Medicare Open Enrollment Period, you can make the following changes for the upcoming year.:

  • Switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare
  • Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
  • Enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time
  • Change from one Medicare Part D plan to another
  • Enroll in a Medicare Part D plan
  • Drop Medicare Part D

You can make multiple changes, but the last change you make will go into effect on January 1.

Beneficiaries can go to www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to make changes in their Medicare prescription drug and health plan coverage.