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Medicare Annual Enrollment Period

Looking to make the jump from original Medicare policy to a Medicare Advantage plan? Just want to enroll in a Medicare plan? Sometimes the plan that worked well in the past no longer fits your personal needs, and it is necessary to make a change. If your initial enrollment period has passed, you are still able to make changes to your Medicare plan during the Annual Enrollment Period. Annual Enrollment for Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans spans from November 15^th to December 31st.

The Medicare Annual Enrollment season for 2011 benefits begins on November 15^th and ends on December 31^th.  During Annual Enrollment, seniors are able to make any changes to their Part C Advantage or Part D prescription drug plans. You can swap your original Medicare plan for an Advantage plan. You are also able to join a Medicare Advantage plan with our without drug coverage. Another option is to switch Advantage plans. Seniors can add, drop, or change their prescription drug plans during the Annual Enrollment period. If you are not satisfied with your prescription drug coverage or Medicare Advantage plan, you can drop it completely during this period without any stipulations or restrictions.

In the past, Medicare beneficiaries were able to make changes to their plans during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period at the beginning of the calendar year. Due to the new health care reform, there will no longer be an Open Enrollment Period for Medicare.  Because the open enrollment period will no longer exist, seniors will only have one opportunity to make changes to their Medicare plans during the Annual Enrollment Period.  As of January 1^st, 2011, seniors will no longer be able to change plans, unless they drop their Medicare Advantage coverage and return to original Medicare. The disenrollment period will span from January 1^st to February 15^th.  During this period, if you drop a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage, you will be able to enroll in a separate prescription drug plan once you return to regular Medicare. However, you will not be able to add a new Medicare Advantage plan until the next Annual Enrollment Period.

There are special enrollment periods for people with extenuating circumstances, but for the most part, many people enroll during Annual Enrollment or during their initial enrollment period. Changing your plan during the Annual Enrollment Period can save you money and provide you with better health insurance coverage. The Annual Enrollment Period provides you with more flexibility in your Medicare coverage.  If you want to keep your plan, simply do not make any changes. The recent changes due to health care reform make it even more important for seniors to look over their plans before the end of the Annual Enrollment Period and ensure they have the best plan to fit their needs.

Before you switch your plan, look over the plan materials and make sure you are aware of any changes to the policy.  Taking the time to do this before making a change helps you find the best possible coverage.  Overall, the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period allows Medicare beneficiaries to take control of their health coverage and ensure that they are enrolled in the appropriate plan.