What can you do during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?
By Virtue Medical Group | Created on: October 18, 2022
It’s that time of the year for Medicare enrollees turning 65 or older, younger people with disabilities, or those affected by end-stage renal diseases. For those who are currently on Medicare, the term Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), occurs annually from October 15 to December 7. During this period, you can join, switch, or drop a Medicare advantage health plan
What can I do during the Medicare AEP?
You will receive an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) from your current insurance provider. If you decide you want to make changes with your insurance agent, you can reach out to them and discuss the best Medicare Advantage plan options for you. Medicare Advantage plans offer additional benefits that may support your lifestyle.
What is the difference between AEP and OEP?
AEP allows seniors to make changes to their Medicare Coverage while OEP does not. OEP takes place every year from January 1st to March 31. While AEP allows seniors to make multiple numbers of changes, OEP only allows a single change. OEP does not apply to seniors with Original Medicare.
Reviewing your "Medicare & You" handbook
The “Medicare & You” handbook is mailed every fall to Medicare beneficiaries. It summarizes all Medicare benefits, rights, and protections as well as a list of health plans, and drug plans. The handbook is sent from the government to provide Medicare households with important information they seniors should know.
How should seniors know whether if they should change Medicare Advantage plans or not?
Your Medicare plan automatically renews at the beginning of the year unless you decide to change it. Medicare insurance companies refine their Medicare plan benefits every AEP to help seniors get the best benefits. You should evaluate your current insurance plan benefits and see if the benefits match your lifestyle choices and needs. If the plan is a perfect fit, then no changes are needed. However, if the plan is no longer a good fit, AEP ends December 7th so you will have plenty of time to shop around for the best plan for your needs.
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period serves as a great reminder for seniors to evaluate their Medicare plan. If you are planning to switch insurance plans, be sure to check if your preferred doctor accepts the insurance and medical group (add insurance and medical group link)
Disclaimer: The following article/blog post contains information about Medicare and the annual enrollment period The material contained on these pages is not intended to replace professional advice. This article is for educational purposes and services only.
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Article category: Medicare, Medicare advantage plan, Annual Enrollment Period, MAPD, Insurance plan guide