Dates to Remember

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.

October 15 – December 7
The Annual Election Period (AEP) is from October 15 through December 7 of every 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 takes effect on January 1.

January 1 – February 14
The Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP) is from January 1 through February 14 of every year. During this time Medicare Advantage plan enrollees may disenroll from a Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare. The MADP does not allow people in an MA plan to switch to another MA plan or people in Original Medicare to join an MA plan.

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.