Medicare open enrollment is also called the Medicare Annual Election Period. Medicare open enrollment is October 15th through December 7th. During this time, you can make changes to your Medicare Plan. Medicare plans are your primary Medicare Plan like Traditional Medicare or Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription coverage. Medigap plans are not Medicare plans. Medigap is a voluntary supplemental coverage that state insurance departments regulate.
During Medicare open enrollment, you can change your Part D prescription drug plan, drop your Part D pre switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage or switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare. It is also an excellent time to review your Medicare supplement, or “Medigap” insurance plan, although you may apply to change your Medigap coverage any time of year.
Plan benefits and premiums for Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans will change on the first of each year. Still, the premiums on Medigap insurance usually change on your policy anniversary date. The benefits on Medigap plans will not change, except to cover increases in the Medicare Part A and B deductible.
