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When Can You Change Medicare Plans & Coverage?

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The Medicare plan you have now may not be the one you have forever. Medicare offers a wide variety of options and is always evolving from year to year. There may come a time when your medical needs or financial situation changes, or you may become interested in a plan that fits your preferences.

Whatever the case, you can make the switch during the Annual Enrollment Period.

What is the Annual Enrollment Period?

The Annual Enrollment Period takes place from October 15 to December 7. It is a time when you can drop, switch, or join a Medicare policy. This isn’t for first-time enrollees, but for those already enrolled in Medicare and considering other Medicare options.

Documents such as your quarterly Medicare Summary Notice, Annual Notice of Change, and/or Evidence of Coverage can serve as influences because these give a breakdown of how your Medicare coverage has saved you on costs and what the future holds for your current plan.

Most commonly, individuals enrolled in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) will use this to switch to a Medicare Advantage plan (also known as Part C). Or, you may decide to keep your Original Medicare coverage and add a Medicare Part D plan. Original Medicare doesn’t include prescription drug coverage, as Part D is exclusively sold through private insurance.

If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you may choose to switch to another Medicare Advantage plan, such as one with prescription drug coverage, or change back to Original Medicare. You may also enroll, switch, or drop Part D plans.

What If I Need To Switch Outside Of The Annual Enrollment Period?

Medicare has made provisions for those who have emergencies that may cause either loss of non-Medicare health insurance policies or moving out of a Medicare Advantage network.

This could be a situation such as: moving to a new city, losing employer coverage, or moving back into the United States after living in a foreign country.

Instead of making these changes during the Annual Enrollment Period, you will qualify for what is known as a Special Enrollment Period.

We’re Here to Help. Call Us Today!

Your situation may change, but our dedicated approach to customer service never will. We know the ins and outs of Medicare, and we’re here to be part of your journey when it comes time to switch to the best plan for you. We will not only align you with the policy that suits you perfectly – we’ll get you that policy at the lowest possible price.

Book a Free Medicare Consultation

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We strive to educate and empower our clients to make the best decisions for their health insurance coverage.

Still Have Questions?

If you’ve enrolled in Medicare and want to learn more about your coverage, then we’re here to help. Feel free to reach out to us today and we will find a time to talk more about your specific coverage and the ways you can use it.

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