Every fall, people with Medicare have the chance to review and change their healthcare plans. This time is important because your healthcare needs may change from year to year, and it's a chance to make sure you have the coverage that works best for you.
The Medicare Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7. During this window, you can compare your current plan with other options and decide if you want to make any changes. Any updates you make before December 7 will begin on January 1 of the next year.
This time is officially called the "Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan Annual Election Period," but most people simply call it "open enrollment." During open enrollment, you can:
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan
- Move from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare
- Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- Select a Medicare Advantage plan with or without drug coverage
- Adjust your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
- Switch to a different private insurance company if your current plan isn’t working for you
It's a good idea to check your plan each year because Medicare plans can change things like premiums (monthly costs), copays (what you pay for services), which doctors are covered, and what medications are included.
Besides the fall open enrollment, there are other, more specific times you can make changes, like the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 through March 31, or during Special Enrollment Periods if you move or lose other coverage.
However, the fall open enrollment is the main chance for most people to make changes.
When thinking about your plan, consider:
- Upcoming specialist visits or surgeries
- If your doctors will stay in-network next year
- How changes in costs (premiums, deductibles, copayments) will affect your budget
Even small changes in coverage can mean a lot if you are on a fixed income, so reviewing your plan during open enrollment is important.
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