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Enrollment Periods

When it comes to joining, switching or dropping Medicare Advantage coverage, there are four enrollment periods to understand; the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) and the Special Enrollment Period (SEP).

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) occurs October 15 through December 7 each year and your coverage is effective January 1 of the following year. During AEP, you have the option to make changes to your current plan or switch to a new plan.

What you can do:

  • Change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan;
  • Change from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare;
  • Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan;
  • Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that doesn't offer drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers drug coverage;
  • Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage Plan that doesn't offer drug coverage;
  • Join a Medicare drug plan;
  • Switch from one Medicare drug plan to another Medicare drug plan; or
  • Drop your Medicare drug coverage completely.

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) occurs when you are newly eligible for Medicare. During the IEP, you can sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan, but the enrollment period is different for everyone and is dependent on your current situation.

 

Reasons you might qualify for an IEP include:

  • You turned 65;
  • You have a disability and you're under 65;
  • You're already eligible for Medicare of a disability, and you turn 65;
  • You have Medicare Part A coverage, and you get Part B for the first time by enrolling during the Part B General Enrollment Period (January 1–March 31). 

Call SummaCare today to discuss the many circumstances that might place you in your Initial Enrollment Period or a Special Enrollment Period. 

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP)

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) runs from January 1 through March 31 of each year, and offers the opportunity to switch carriers, plans or back to Original Medicare.

What you can do:

  • If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage), you can switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage).
  • You can drop your Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare. You'll also be able to join a Medicare drug plan. 

What you can't do:

  • Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan.
  • Join a Medicare drug plan if you're in Original Medicare.
  • Switch from one Medicare drug plan to another if you're in Original Medicare

Note: If you enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan during your Initial Enrollment Period, you can change to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) or go back to Original Medicare (with or without a drug plan) within the first three months you have Medicare.

Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

During the Special Enrollment Period (SEP), you can make changes to your coverage if certain events happen in your life.
 
For instance:  
  • You moved outside the service area of your current plan 
  • You lost your other insurance coverage 
  • Your plan changes its contract with Medicare 
  • You are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid 
  • You are receiving the Low-Income Subsidy

Call SummaCare today to discuss the many circumstances that might place you in your Initial Enrollment Period or a Special Enrollment Period.

For additional information about the diffferent enrollment periods, visit medicare.gov.

Attend a Seminar

Learn why 97% of our members stay year after year by attending a free, informational seminar. A SummaCare Medicare Advisor will walk you through our plans and coverage options, and answer any questions you may have.

Ways to Enroll

If you feel like you have enough information and you’re ready to enroll, let’s get started by phone, online or by mailing us your paperwork.

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