Dear Marci,
I’ve had the same Medicare Advantage (MA) Plan for some time now, and I’m wondering if there’s something better out there. I heard it’s possible to make changes during the Fall Open Enrollment Period. What changes am I allowed to make during this time?
– Kevin (Mystic, CT)
Dear Kevin,
Yes, Fall Open Enrollment Period, also known as the Annual Election Period, is the time of year when you can make certain changes to your Medicare coverage. Fall Open Enrollment happens each year from October 15 through December 7 and any change you make takes effect January 1.
During Fall Open Enrollment you can:
- Switch from Original Medicare with or without a Part D plan and Medicare Advantage or from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare with or without a Part D plan.
- Pick a new Medicare Advantage or Part D plan.
A few things to consider when making changes during Fall Open Enrollment:
- Take a look at next year’s Medicare & You handbook to learn about Medicare costs and benefits for the upcoming year.
- If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Part D plan, you should also receive a mailing called an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and/or Evidence of Coverage (EOC) from your plan. Review these notices for any changes in the plan’s costs, benefits, and/or rules for the upcoming year.
- Use Medicare’s Plan Finder tool to learn about plans offered in your area. The Plan Finder tool can help you compare MA Plans or Part D plans.
- You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227) for a list of plans in your area. When you receive the list of plans, check the plans’ websites or call them to see which best fits your needs.
- If you research a plan online, also call the plan itself to confirm what you have learned.
Before enrolling in a new plan, make sure the plan includes your doctors and hospitals in its network. Confirm that the plan covers all your drugs, and that your pharmacies are in the preferred network.
Enrolling in a new plan directly through Medicare is a good way to protect yourself in case there are problems with enrollment. You can use the Medicare.gov website or call 1.800.MEDICARE. Write down everything about the conversation when you enroll through Medicare, including the date, the representative you spoke to, and any outcomes or next steps. You can also enroll through the plan, or an agent or broker.
Call or visit the website of your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Your local SHIP can help you understand your Medicare coverage options.
Hope this answers your question!
-Marci