What Can I Do During Medicare Open Enrollment Dates?

During Medicare Open Enrollment dates is your opportunity to make changes to your Medicare coverage that you can’t make during the rest of the year. 

Medicare Open Enrollment Dates

It’s a limited window that runs from October 7th through December 15th each year. If you make certain changes during Medicare Open Enrollment, you have guaranteed enrollment privileges.

That means that you can’t be turned down or charged a higher premium because of your medical condition or history, provided you make the change during the Open Enrollment window. 

Why Change Your Medical Coverage? 

People change. Medical needs change. Budgets change. 

Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans change, too.

For example, your plan might have a big price increase. Or you may have a doctor who leaves your Medicare Advantage plan’s network of authorized providers and you’d like to continue seeing him or her.

You may have a new, better plan now available in your area.

Or you may just be dissatisfied with your plan’s customer service or claims paying. 

You may develop a medical condition that requires some supplemental or ancillary benefits not available with your plan.

All these things may warrant making changes to your Medicare strategy.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the major decisions and options you have during your limited Medicare Open Enrollment period.

What Changes Can I Make During Medicare Open Enrollment Dates?

Medicare Open Enrollment is a great time to make any of these changes, if needed: 

Change from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage.

You can switch from Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) to a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), which is offered by private insurance companies. 

Medicare Advantage plans often include additional benefits like prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and hearing services. If you’re in Original Medicare, even if you have a Medicare supplement (Medigap) policy, you would have to pay extra for each of these original benefits.

Also, some Medicare Advantage plans are available for zero premium. This may make them budget-friendly compared to Medigap plans, which will always have a monthly premium.

Switch Medicare Advantage Plans

If you already have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can change to a different plan that better suits your needs. 

This allows you to compare different plans and find one that offers the coverage you need at the most affordable cost.

Enroll in a Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug) Plan

You can join a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to help cover the cost of your medications. 

Even if you don’t currently take prescription drugs, enrolling in a plan during Open Enrollment can prevent late enrollment penalties in the future.

Change Medicare Prescription Drug Plans 

If you already have a Part D plan, you can switch to a different plan to better align with your current medication needs and ensure you have the most cost-effective coverage.

Switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare

If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and wish to return to Original Medicare, you can do so during Open Enrollment. 

You will also have the option to add a standalone Part D prescription drug plan.

Join a Medicare Cost Plan

If you reside in an area where Medicare Cost Plans are available, you can enroll in or switch to one of these plans during Open Enrollment. 

Cost Plans are similar to Medicare Advantage plans and offer additional benefits.

Disenroll from a Medicare Cost Plan

If you are currently enrolled in a Medicare Cost Plan but wish to change to Original Medicare or another Medicare Advantage plan, you can disenroll from your current Cost Plan during Open Enrollment.

Make Changes to Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans

Medigap plans don’t have “open enrollment periods.” You can compare different Medigap policies and make changes at any time during the year.

But keep in mind that Medigap plans are subject to medical underwriting. So you could be denied coverage or charged higher premiums by your new Medigap plan if you have pre-existing conditions. 

Switch to a Health Sharing Plan

In addition to Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans, you have a terrific but not as widely-known  third option that can help protect you against the high cost of medical bills not covered under Original Medicare: health sharing.

Specifically, the Medi-Share 65+ health sharing plan, designed specifically for Medicare beneficiaries, helps pay all your out-of-pocket costs under Medicare Part A and Part B.

These include deductibles, co-pays, and coinsurance costs.

All you pay is the first $500 per year in medical costs approved under but not paid by Medicare Part A and B for your household.

Medi-Share 65+ picks up the rest.

It provides benefits comparable to the popular Medicare Plan G. But it’s available at much less than the typical Plan G monthly premium in most areas.

If you’re aged 65 through 74, Medi-Share 65+ costs just $99 per month.

If you’re aged 75 and up, it costs just $150 per month.

And as with Medigap plans, you are free to select your own physician. You are not limited to any narrow care network imposed by your plan. 

Click here to learn more about Medi-Share 65+ Healthsharing plan.

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What To Do During Medicare Open Enrollment Dates

Here is your Action Checklist:

Tip: Do it now, before the rush. Because as Medicare Open Enrollment comes to a close this year, we anticipate our appointment calendars will get completely booked!

So call now, and book your consultation and review appointment today!

Meanwhile, here are several more blog posts and resources that will help you understand all  your Medicare options available to you this Open Enrollment Period. 

Medicare Open Enrollment Dates Conclusion

Medicare Open Enrollment is a great time to carefully review your current coverage, assess your healthcare needs, and compare available options.

Making informed decisions during this period can help ensure you have the most suitable and cost-effective coverage for the upcoming year.

If you’re unsure about which choices are best for you, contact us! Just click this link, select your state, and choose an appointment time that works best for you.

At the time you select, one of our highly-trained and experienced Personal Benefits Managers will contact you, and go over your individual needs, show you your options, and make a recommendation for you.

It’s easy, painless, and free!

Meanwhile, here are some other blog posts and resources that will help you understand and get the most out of your Medicare benefits.

Here are some additional blogs on the topic: What’s New in Medicare for 2023? | How to Choose a Medicare Part D Plan | Maximizing Your Savings During Medicare Open Enrollment for 2024

Here are some additional pages related to this article: The Medicare Playbook | Medicare Advantage Plans

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Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare Open Enrollment Dates

What is Medicare Open Enrollment?

Medicare Open Enrollment is the annual period from October 15th to December 7th when eligible individuals can make changes to their Medicare coverage.

Who can participate in Medicare Open Enrollment?

All senior citizens who are enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B are eligible to participate in Medicare Open Enrollment.

What changes can I make during Medicare Open Enrollment dates?

You can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, change Medicare Advantage plans, join a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, or switch from one Part D plan to another.

Can I switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare during Open Enrollment dates?

Yes, you have the option to switch from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare during the Open Enrollment period.

Can I enroll in a new Medicare Advantage plan during Open Enrollment dates?

Yes, you can enroll in a new Medicare Advantage plan or switch to a different plan during the Open Enrollment period.

What if I miss the Medicare Open Enrollment dates?

If you miss the Open Enrollment period, you may have to wait until the following year to make changes to your Medicare coverage, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

How do I compare different Medicare Advantage plans?

The easiest and simplest way to compare different Medicare Advantage Plans, Medigap plans, and available healthsharing options is to contact a Personal Benefits Manager and schedule a free consultation.

Medigap Advisors is one of a very few Medigap and Medicare Advantage brokerage agencies who can talk to you about all  your options, whether Medigap, Medicare Advantage, or the Medi-Share 65+ healthsharing plan.

Can I change my Medigap plan during Medicare Open Enrollment dates?

Medicare Open Enrollment does not apply to Medigap plans. However, you may still be able to change your Medigap policy at other times of the year, but it may be subject to underwriting.

Are Medicare Open Enrollment dates the same as Medicare Initial Enrollment?

No, Medicare Open Enrollment is different from Medicare Initial Enrollment. Initial Enrollment is when you first become eligible for Medicare, while Open Enrollment is an annual period for making changes to your existing coverage.

Can I make changes to my Medicare Part D prescription drug plan during Open Enrollment dates?

Yes, you can join a new Medicare Part D plan or switch from one Part D plan to another during the Open Enrollment period.

Will I be automatically enrolled in a new Medicare Advantage or Part D plan if I don’t make changes during Open Enrollment dates?

If you don’t make changes to your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan during Open Enrollment, your current coverage will generally continue for the following year. However, it’s still essential to review your plan’s changes and ensure it meets your needs.

Can I use Medicare.gov to compare different plans during Medicare Open Enrollment dates?

Yes, Medicare.gov provides tools to compare different Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, helping you find the best coverage for your needs.

How can I get assistance with Medicare Open Enrollment choices?

You can seek help from Medicare counselors, State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP), or licensed insurance agents to get personalized guidance on your Medicare Open Enrollment decisions.

Can I switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage even if I have pre-existing conditions?

Yes, you can switch to a Medicare Advantage plan during Open Enrollment regardless of pre-existing conditions. Medicare Advantage plans must accept all Medicare beneficiaries, regardless of health status.

Can I change my Medicare Advantage plan outside of Open Enrollment dates?

In most cases, you can only make changes to your Medicare Advantage plan during Open Enrollment or during a Special Enrollment Period triggered by certain life events.

Can I change my Part D plan outside of Medicare Open Enrollment dates?

You can generally only change your Part D plan during Open Enrollment or during a Special Enrollment Period triggered by certain circumstances, such as moving to a new location with different plan options.

What happens if I move to a new state during Open Enrollment?

If you move to a new state during Open Enrollment, you may have access to different Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. You can review the available options in your new location and make changes accordingly.

Can I change my Medicare Advantage plan if my doctor is no longer in the network?

Yes, you can change your Medicare Advantage plan during Open Enrollment if your doctor is no longer in the network of your current plan.

Can I switch from a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage to Original Medicare and a separate Part D plan during Open Enrollment dates?

Yes, you have the option to switch from a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage to Original Medicare and a separate Part D plan during Open Enrollment.

Can I change my Medicare Advantage plan multiple times during Open Enrollment dates?

You can make as many changes as you like to your Medicare Advantage plan during Open Enrollment, but keep in mind that the last plan you enroll in will be the one that takes effect for the following year.