The Annual Enrollment Period is your best opportunity for Medicare planning and it begins on October 15th and ends on December 7th every year. During this Annual Enrollment Period you can change your Medicare health plans and prescription drug coverage for the following year. Medicare health and drug plans can make changes to their offerings each year, including changes to costs, coverage, and what pharmacies and providers are in their network. However, this is your opportunity to make new choices and pick plans that work best for you.
If youâre enrolled in a Medicare health or prescription drug plan, review the materials that your plan sent you like the âEvidence of Coverageâ (EOC) and âAnnual Notice of Changeâ (ANOC), and if your plan is changing, be sure that it still meets your needs for the following year. For instance, if it doesnât, now is the time to let us review your plan so that youâre satisfied with the level of care and coverage you will be receiving. Also, consider if your health has changed, if you may need additional care in the coming year, or if your premiums and out-of-pocket expenses are too high.
After the Annual Election Period
Once the Annual Election Period has passed, youâre much more limited in the types of changes you can make to your Medicare coverage. However, in certain situations, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in a Medicare plan, switch plans, or make other changes to your coverage.