Important Dates for Part C & D

You have an opportunity to select or change your Part C and D coverage each year. Here are some important dates to keep in mind.

October 1
Insurance companies can release information on plans for the next calendar year. This is a good time to begin shopping for new coverage.

November 15 – December 31
The Annual Election Period runs from November 15 through December 31 each year. During this time Medicare Beneficiaries may change prescription drug plans, change Medicare Advantage plans, return to Original Medicare, or enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time. Coverage for enrollment changes take effect on January 1.

January 1 – March 31
If you are not satisfied with the choice you made in November or December, you may still be able to switch between January 1 and March 31, also known as the Open Enrollment period. Only certain types of changes can be made at this time.

April 1 – November 14
Between April 1 and November 14 each year you will not be able to switch coverage. This time is often referred to as the “lock-in” period and you generally must stay with your current coverage until January 1, when any new coverage you choose, between November 15 and December 31 begins.

Special Enrollment Times

Even if you did not recently become eligible for Medicare, there are some exceptions that allow you to enroll in a prescription drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan any time during the year.

Examples of special circumstances include, but are not limited to individuals:   

• who were enrolled in a plan and recently moved
• who entered a nursing home
• eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid
• with low income
• disenrolling from an employer group health plan
• who involuntarily lost creditable prescription drug coverage.

For questions about how to enroll if you qualify under other special circumstances contact us or contact Medicare.