Medicare Open Enrollment - How and When Do You Change Medicare Plans?
Each year during the final six weeks of the calendar year (Nov.
15th to Dec.
31st) American Medicare recipients have the opportunity to make changes to existing Medicare plans.
This is what is referred to as the Medicare Open Enrollment period.
During this time, they can choose to go with Medicare Only, Medicare plus a supplemental insurance plan and to sign up with the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Medicare Part D).
Once a decision has been made, the change to the Medicare beneficiary's plan will take affect on January 10th of the next calendar year.
To avoid any confusion at the pharmacy, it is best to make any changes as soon as possible rather than waiting to the last minute of open enrollment.
If a change of plan has been decided upon, the user should do one of the following to make the changes:
A few weeks after signing up, the company managing the plan will send a packet containing the membership card, a plan user guide and a list of covered prescription drugs and approved pharmacies as well as some other information.
If a user decides that he or she does not want to have a new plan, no action is required.
The existing plan will be rolled over at the end of the cycle.
It is recommended that all recipients of Medicare annually review their current plan versus other plans to ensure they have the best choice for their situation.
Take a close look at pricing and benefits to compare pricing.
15th to Dec.
31st) American Medicare recipients have the opportunity to make changes to existing Medicare plans.
This is what is referred to as the Medicare Open Enrollment period.
During this time, they can choose to go with Medicare Only, Medicare plus a supplemental insurance plan and to sign up with the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Medicare Part D).
Once a decision has been made, the change to the Medicare beneficiary's plan will take affect on January 10th of the next calendar year.
To avoid any confusion at the pharmacy, it is best to make any changes as soon as possible rather than waiting to the last minute of open enrollment.
If a change of plan has been decided upon, the user should do one of the following to make the changes:
- Complete a paper application with the company managing the plan.
- Go to the plan's website and apply online.
- Call the company and signup by phone.
- Go to the Medicare official website and apply (note: this option may not contain the plan you want).
- Call Medicare directly and make the change.
A few weeks after signing up, the company managing the plan will send a packet containing the membership card, a plan user guide and a list of covered prescription drugs and approved pharmacies as well as some other information.
If a user decides that he or she does not want to have a new plan, no action is required.
The existing plan will be rolled over at the end of the cycle.
It is recommended that all recipients of Medicare annually review their current plan versus other plans to ensure they have the best choice for their situation.
Take a close look at pricing and benefits to compare pricing.
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