Medicare Advantage Enrollment Period

The Medicare Advantage enrollment period is a time when people who are enrolled in Medicare can switch from Original Medicare (parts A and B) to a Medicare Advantage plan, or switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another. This period occurs every year from October 15 to December 7, and it is also known as the Annual Election Period (AEP).

During the Medicare Advantage enrollment period, beneficiaries can shop for a new Medicare Advantage plan that better meets their needs, or they can return to Original Medicare if they are not satisfied with their current plan. It is important to note that not all Medicare Advantage plans are available in all areas, so beneficiaries should carefully research their options before making a decision.

In addition to the Annual Election Period, there are also several other times during the year when beneficiaries can switch their Medicare Advantage plan. These include the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (from January 1 to March 31), which allows beneficiaries to switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare, and the Special Enrollment Period (SEP), which allows beneficiaries to switch plans if they experience certain life events, such as moving to a new area or losing employer-sponsored coverage.

To switch to a new Medicare Advantage plan during the enrollment period, beneficiaries must first disenroll from their current plan. They can do this by contacting their current plan directly, or by calling Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE. Once they have disenrolled, they can enroll in a new plan through the plan's website, by calling the plan directly, or by calling Medicare.

In conclusion, the Medicare Advantage enrollment period is an annual event that occurs from October 15 to December 7. During this time, beneficiaries who are enrolled in Medicare can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another. There are also other times during the year when beneficiaries can switch plans, such as the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period and the Special Enrollment Period.