How to enroll in Medicare Advantage?
To join a Medicare Advantage plan you must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B, and continue paying your Part B premium. You must also live within the service area of the plan itself.
Remember, Original Medicare is national, but Medicare Advantage plans’ coverage areas are usually limited to specific counties within a state, although some might be a bit more regional covering several counties throughout multiple states.
To join a Medicare Advantage plan you must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B, and continue paying your Part B premium. You must also live within the service area of the plan itself.
Remember, Original Medicare is national, but Medicare Advantage plans’ coverage areas are usually limited to specific counties within a state, although some might be a bit more regional covering several counties throughout multiple states.
While you cannot be declined coverage for any preexisting condition, you can only join or leave a Medicare Advantage plan during specific enrollment periods throughout the year. These periods are listed and defined below:
While you cannot be declined coverage for any preexisting condition, you can only join or leave a Medicare Advantage plan during specific enrollment periods throughout the year. These periods are listed and defined below:
Initial Election Period - IEP
Initial Election Period - IEP
This is the seven-month period that starts 90 days prior to the month you first become eligible for Medicare Parts A and B regardless of your age. You get one election to enroll into a Medicare Advantage plan during your IEP. You'll receive an additional 90 day Open Enrollment Period after the effective date of any plan you choose during your Initial Election Period. This allows you 90 days to try out your plan and make any necessary changes if you decide you need something different.
This is the seven-month period that starts 90 days prior to the month you first become eligible for Medicare Parts A and B regardless of your age. You get one election to enroll into a Medicare Advantage plan during your IEP. You'll receive an additional 90 day Open Enrollment Period after the effective date of any plan you choose during your Initial Election Period. This allows you 90 days to try out your plan and make any necessary changes if you decide you need something different.
Annual Election Period - AEP
This period begins October 15th and ends on December 7th each year. During the Annual Election Period you can join or leave a Medicare Advantage plan, or switch Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plans. The plan change will take effect on the first of January in the following year. You can make as many elections as you need during this time frame, but the last enrollment completed by the end of December 7th is the one that will go into effect the following year.
Annual Election Period - AEP
This period begins October 15th and ends on December 7th each year. During the Annual Election Period you can join or leave a Medicare Advantage plan, or switch Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plans. The plan change will take effect on the first of January in the following year. You can make as many elections as you need during this time frame, but the last enrollment completed by the end of December 7th is the one that will go into effect the following year.
Open Enrollment Period - OEP
Open Enrollment Period - OEP
This period occurs every year from January 1 through March 31. During this time, anyone who is currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can make one plan change to either switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or disenroll from their current plan and go back to Original Medicare. This period cannot be used to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time. You also get a 90 day Open Enrollment Period after you've exercised your Initial Election Period. Think of the Open Enrollment Period like a test drive. You get 90 days to "test drive" the plan you're on and decide if it's ultimately the right plan for you. If it's not, you can use your Open Enrollment Period to correct it and find a more suitable plan.
This period occurs every year from January 1 through March 31. During this time, anyone who is currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can make one plan change to either switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or disenroll from their current plan and go back to Original Medicare. This period cannot be used to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time. You also get a 90 day Open Enrollment Period after you've exercised your Initial Election Period. Think of the Open Enrollment Period like a test drive. You get 90 days to "test drive" the plan you're on and decide if it's ultimately the right plan for you. If it's not, you can use your Open Enrollment Period to correct it and find a more suitable plan.
Special Election Period - SEP
Special Election Period - SEP
A Special Election Period allows you to make changes to your Medicare Advantage plan or prescription drug plan during a set time frame as defined by the SEP being granted. Generally, an SEP is granted when you lose benefits involuntarily for any reason, but can also be granted when due to extenuating circumstances you could not participate in a regular enrollment period. In 2022 we experienced numerous SEPs being granted by Medicare due to various federal emergencies.
A Special Election Period allows you to make changes to your Medicare Advantage plan or prescription drug plan during a set time frame as defined by the SEP being granted. Generally, an SEP is granted when you lose benefits involuntarily for any reason, but can also be granted when due to extenuating circumstances you could not participate in a regular enrollment period. In 2022 we experienced numerous SEPs being granted by Medicare due to various federal emergencies.
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We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
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