Real answers for your healthcare questions
What is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period and what can I change?
Answer
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs each year from October 15 through December 7. During this period, people with Medicare can make several changes to Medicare Advantage and prescription drug coverage for the following year.
What to Know
You can generally switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, move from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare, change Medicare Advantage plans, or join, switch, or drop a Part D plan. Changes usually take effect January 1. Medigap enrollment follows different rules and should not be confused with this annual period.
What to Do Next
Use the Annual Enrollment Period to review your current plan even if you are satisfied. Check the next year's premiums, drug formulary, provider network, benefits, and out of pocket costs before deciding whether to stay or switch.
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