Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP)

For people already enrolled in Medicare, every year there is a window of time called the Annual Election Period (AEP) that is a time when Medicare beneficiaries are able to make changes to their existing Medicare Health plans and prescription drug coverage (PDP). The time that you are able to make changes may be different depending on the type of Medicare health plan that you have. If somebody has a Medicare Advantage plan (MAPD) the Annual Election Period (AEP) is the time to make changes.

 The time frame for the Medicare Annual Election period is from October 15th through December 7th every year. During that time, people on Medicare Advantage plans (MAPD or Part C) can make changes to their existing health coverage. Outside of this time frame, generally Medicare beneficiaries will not be able to make changes to their plans. The exception to this is if somebody is initially becoming eligible for Medicare which is called the Initial Coverage Enrollment Period (ICEP) or if they have a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).

Annual Election Period (AEP) and what changes you can make during this time?

Changes that can be made during Medicare AEP: 

•  Change to a Medicare Advantage plan from Original Medicare, Part A and Part B. 
• Change from a Medicare Advantage plan to Original Medicare, Part A and Part B.
• Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
• Enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan
• Change from one Medicare prescription drug plan to another.
• Leave Medicare prescription drug coverage completely.

Any changes that are made during AEP will be effective January 1st of the following year.

Changes after Medicare AEP

Once AEP is over there are still opportunities to make changes to a Medicare Plan. They are more limited and may require some qualifying life events to be eligible. Immediately after AEP there is a time frame called Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP) that allows a one-time change to a Medicare Advantage (MADP or Part C) plan. This time period runs from January 1st through March 31st every year.

During the OEP you may choose to return to Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and B) . If you decide to use this option, then you will have until March 31st to enroll into a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan (PDP or Part D). Although this coverage is optional if you do not enroll into a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan (PDP) you will not be able to re-enroll until the following years enrollment period. Additionally, there is a penalty for not enrolling in prescription drug coverage when initially eligible.            

Outside of the normal AEP or OEP election periods it may be possible to change Medicare plans if you have a specific life change. This is called a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) and is usually triggered by a life event. It could be things like:

• Moving out of your Plans Service Area
• Changes in your Medicare Part A and Part B status
• Qualifying for financial help through programs like Low Income Subsidy or Medicaid
• Moving in or out of a long-term care or nursing facility.

Also as mentioned early if a person does not enroll into prescription drug coverage when initially eligible there may be a late-enrollment penalty, which is an additional cost on top of the Medicare Part D monthly premium. This penalty is generally applied if:

• If you do not have prescription coverage from either a Medicare Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage, when first eligible.
•  You do not have other creditable prescription drug coverage for a period of 63 days or more
•  If you enroll into a Medicare Part D plan after going without credible coverage from somewhere else. 

If you have more questions about enrolling into Medicare, Medicare Advantage or Medicare Prescription Drug coverage please  contact us directly  844-367-6555. There is no cost of any of our services and we are able to assist in English and Spanish. 

We are the Covered California Enrollment Center, your place to get free assistance with your health insurance plan. We can assist you to sign up, enroll and update your private health Insurance, Covered California plan, Medi-Cal, Obamacare and Medicare insurances. Our California agency is certified by Covered California, to assist you in-person, over the phone or online in English and Spanish. 

We specialize in individual and family health insurance plans, Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement (MediGap plans), Medicare Prescription Drug plans (Part D), as well as, Dental and Vision coverage. We can help you get enrolled into health insurance plans, compare healthcare options, provide required health coverage tax documents and review the plans that best fit your budget and healthcare needs.  

Call us today at 844-367-6555 for free assistance over the phone, visit our website at www.EnrollSocal.Com to make an appointment at our California Enrollment Centers Serving San Diego County, Los Angeles County and Imperial County.