Whether you're interested in enrolling in a Medicare Supplement plan, or you're currently enrolled in a Medigap plan, Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period can be a confusing time to navigate.
It's important to note that you can enroll in or change a Medicare Supplement plan at any time. However, the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 - Dec. 7) provides an opportunity to evaluate your coverage and ensure any health, financial or lifestyle changes are addressed for the upcoming year.
Here's what to know about the Annual Enrollment Period and Medicare Supplement Insurance.
Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 and is one of the most popular times of the year for electing new Medicare coverage. However, this period specifically applies to Medicare beneficiaries who are either currently enrolled in, or want to enroll in, Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) and/or Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Medicare Part D).
It's important for anyone who is eligible for Medicare to understand this time period, but it does not necessarily affect all Medicare beneficiaries. You can still shop for other plan options including Medicare Supplement and dental, vision and hearing coverage - but these plans are not dependent on the Annual Enrollment Period to make changes.
Here is a general list of what you can do during the Annual Enrollment Period. Items highlighted in bold specifically apply to Medicare Supplement beneficiaries.
Once you have enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B, you can enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan at anytime. For most people, you become eligible to enroll in Original Medicare when you turn 65. And while you can enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan when at anytime, the best time to enroll is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period.
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period starts at the beginning of the first month that you are both 65 years old and are officially enrolled in Medicare Part B. It lasts for six months after this date. So, for example, if you turn 65 in August but don't start Medicare B until late September, your Medigap Open Enrollment Period will begin on October 1 and end April 1.
Enrolling during this period can help mitigate costs and ensure you get the best deal on your policy.
While Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is a highly publicized event each year, it is not specific to existing Medicare Supplement beneficiaries or those becoming Medicare eligible and wishing to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan. However, this is a good time to evaluate your needs for the upcoming year and ensure your coverage meets your needs. This may include health changes, lifestyle changes or financial changes. For instance, if you're hoping to travel more outside of the United States, Medicare Supplement helps ensure you're covered in other countries.
If AEP does not coincide with your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment period, you can still enroll in a Medigap plan. It may require medical underwriting.
However, in certain circumstances you may have guaranteed issue rights even after your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment period. These circumstances include:
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PLEASE NOTE: Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. The purpose of this communication is the solicitation of insurance. Contact will be made by an insurance agent/producer or insurance company. Medicare Supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
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