Annual Notice of Change
September
Private plans are required to send a notice each fall if there will be any changes in cost, coverage, or service area. These changes go into effect January of the coming year.
Open Enrollment Period
October 15 – December 7
Medicare Advantage and Part D Prescription Drug plans begin accepting applications for the upcoming year. The open enrollment period ends December 7 and new plans go into effect January 1.
General Enrollment Period
January 1 – March 31
If you did not enroll in Medicare you can sign up for Part B from January 1 to March 31. Signing up through the GEP means you will have to pay a Part B premium penalty.
Eligible due to disability – When you first become eligible for Medicare due to a disability, you have a 7 month window to enroll in a Part C and or Part D plan. 3 months before your 25th month of disability , your disability month and 3 months after.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
January 1 – March 31
During the MA OEP you can make changes only if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan. You can switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan or Original Medicare, with or without drug coverage. You cannot make any changes if you have Original Medicare.
Flu Season
November – April
Medicare Part B covers 100 percent of the cost of a flu shot once ever flu season with no Part B deductible required.
Initial Enrollment Period
Seven months
The seven-month period including the three months before, the month of, and the three months after your 65th birthday. During this time you can enroll in Medicare.
