The annual Medicare open enrollment period begins Tuesday, giving current enrollees the opportunity to join parts of the health care program and make changes to existing coverage.
Overseen by the Social Security Administration (SSA) Medicare is a federal health insurance program for those 65 and older, as well as some who are under 65 and have certain disabilities or conditions.
Here is everything Medicare recipients need to know about the open enrollment period this year:
What Is the Medicare Enrollment Period?
Every fall, the Medicare enrollment period allows those who receive Parts A and B to sign up for Part C and Part D coverage:
- Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is a Medicare-approved health plan from a private company that can be used to cover most of your Part A and Part B benefits instead of Original Medicare. It usually includes drug coverage (Part D).
- Part D is additional coverage that people with either Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage can choose to help lower the cost of prescription drugs.
The following can be done between October 15 and December 7 if you already have Medicare Parts A and B:
- Join, drop or switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan (or add or drop drug coverage).
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan or from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare.
- Join, drop or switch to another Medicare drug plan if you’re in Original Medicare.
To compare plans, you can use the Medicare website.
If you are happy with your current coverage, you don’t have to make any changes, and unless your plan is coming to an end, your current coverage will renew on New Year’s Day.
Open enrollment is different from the initial enrollment period, which runs three months before the month you turn 65, throughout your birthday month and for three months afterward. Open enrollment is held at the same time for every Medicare enrollee, regardless of when you joined or when your current coverage began.
A stock image shows a health care worker holding a stethoscope. Medicare’s open enrollment period begins this week.
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What Are the Requirements?
To join a Medicare health plan, you must:
- Have Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), which covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care and some home health care, as well as Part B (medical insurance), which covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies and preventive services.
- Live in the service area of the plan you want to join.
- Be a U.S. citizen or otherwise lawfully present in the U.S.
- Have your Medicare number and your Part A and/or Part B coverage start dates.
Can I Make Changes at Other Times of the Year?
Only in limited circumstances, such as moving out of the area where your plan is provided or if you lose employer- or union-sponsored coverage.
When Does New Coverage Begin?
Any new coverage selected during this time takes effect on January 1, 2025.
How Do I Make Changes?
If you’re looking to make a change, you will need to contact the insurance company offering the plan directly.
If you have questions or need help making enrollment changes, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
