Medicare Open Enrollment period this year is October 15 to December 7. These dates are important to not only those newly eligible for Medicare but also to those who have previously enrolled with Medicare. 

This is because Medicare plans can change year to year.  Even an enrollee’s current calendar year 2021 plan may have changed for 2022. It is a common misconception that once someone is enrolled in Medicare they can neglect to review the year-to-year changes of their plan – this is not the case, however. Plans may have insignificant changes one year and the following year these changes may affect you greatly. 

What is Medicare Open enrollment?

Medicare Open Enrollment is a time period that people who are eligible for Medicare benefits can elect to make changes to their Medicare health plans. Additionally, they can make changes to their prescription drug coverages for the following year to better meet their needs.

What can you do during open enrollment for Medicare?

While Medicare plans change from year-to-year, so do your needs. It is important to assess your health and what you require to ensure that your medicare plan is aligned with your needs. The Open Enrollment period is the perfect time to review your needs and how the different plans Medicare offers will benefit you. 

You can do the following during the Medicare open enrollment period:

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or vice versa.
• Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to a different Medicare Advantage plan.
• Change from a Medicare Advantage plan without drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage, or vice versa.
• Enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan.
• Jump from one Medicare drug plan to a different Medicare drug plan.
• Quit your Medicare prescription drug coverage.

It is also important to note that, If you return to Original Medicare during this annual enrollment period and you want Medicare Supplement Insurance, also known as Medigap, you may pay more than you expected for a supplement policy, or you may be denied coverage.

Have more questions about Medicare? Contact Julie Hasselbach today.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.