Missed Medicare’s Open Enrollment? What are your options?

Medicare’s Open Enrollment may have ended, but if you missed your chance to switch plans, you have options to consider. Life can get busy and needs can change quickly. Depending on your circumstances, you may have an opportunity to change your coverage even though Open Enrollment ended on December 7. You may be eligible for another enrollment period, such as the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period or a Special Enrollment Period. 

What is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?

If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and didn’t have a chance to compare plans during Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period from October 15 through December 7, you may want to mark your calendar for the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA-OEP). This period starts January 1 and ends March 31 and gives current Medicare Advantage enrollees the chance to choose a different plan. 

If you find another plan that gives you more coverage, lowers your costs, or addresses your personal needs better, you may switch to another plan one time during the MA-OEP. Your new plan will go into effect on the first of the month after you switch plans. 

Do I qualify for a Special Enrollment Period? 

Outside of Open Enrollment and the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, you may be eligible to switch plans if you experience certain qualifying life events. There are a wide range of events that may make you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), including but not limited to:

• You move into an institution for long term care
• You become dual-eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid  
• You are no longer are eligible for Medicaid
• You moved back into the country after living abroad
• You move out of your current plan’s service area
• You lose other creditable coverage, such as union or employer group coverage
• Your plan changes its contract with Medicare 
• You are no longer eligible for the Special Needs Plan you’re enrolled in. 

The types of changes you can make and the time frame for your Special Enrollment Period will depend on your specific circumstances. If you may qualify for an SEP and want to compare plans, an independent sales agent may be able to help you review your options and find the plan that’s right for you. 

New to Medicare? Understanding your Initial Enrollment Period 

If you’re turning 65 soon, you’ll have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period. It begins 3 months before your 65^th birthday, continues during your birthday month, and ends 3 months after your birthday. Most people are automatically enrolled in Part A (hospital insurance), but you’ll need to enroll in Part B (medical insurance). Once you’re enrolled in Original Medicare Parts A and B, you can get your benefits through the federal program or choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan. MA plans are required to include the same Part A and Part B coverage as Original Medicare, but most plans offer additional benefits. 

Once you’ve signed up for Medicare, you’ll have the chance to make changes during any enrollment periods you’re eligible for, including the annual Open Enrollment.