1 November Understanding Medicare's Enrollment Periods November 1, 2016 By Editor Medicare Supplement AEP, medicare, medicare supplement, medigap, open enrollment, seniors 0 There are many people who are confused by a complicated system on when they can enroll in the different Medicare plans. Let's see if we can add a little clarity to the different "enrollment periods". Annual Election Period (AEP): The Annual Election Period runs from October 15th to December 7th each year. This time is for those that want to change or enroll in a Medicare prescription plan or want to change or enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period: The Disenrollment period runs from January 1st to February 14th each year. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan you can leave your plan and switch to Original Medicare (Medicare Parts A and B). Medigap Open Enrollment: This is the six-month period that starts on the first day of the month that you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. Throughout this period, you can enroll in any Medigap plan offered in your area with guaranteed issue. This means that insurance companies aren't allowed to use your medical history or pre-existing conditions as the basis for charging you more for coverage or denying you altogether. If you have medical issues or disabilities, it's especially important to take advantage of this period. Although there are advantages to enrolling in a Medicare Supplement (aka Medigap) plan during Open Enrollment, you may change or enroll in a Medigap plan any time throughout the year. Depending on your age and situation your application may go through underwriting and you will be subject to the insurance company's underwriting guidelines. We hope this helps you to navigate the various enrollment periods to ensure you get the right coverage at the right time. Visit ManhattanLife's Medicare Supplement for more information. Related Posts CMS Creates Special Enrollment Periods for Those Impacted by Recent Hurricanes As a result of this year’s devastating hurricane season, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have decided to make special enrollment periods for those living in an area affected by a hurricane. Voluntary Benefits: Enrollment Call Center & COVID-19 ManhattanLife's Voluntary Benefits Enrollment Call Centers are here for you. The "General Enrollment Period" for Medicare Part B Ends March 31st There is a “General Enrollment Period” for Part B that runs from January 1st to March 31st every year. If you enroll during this general enrollment period, your Part B coverage begins on July 1st of the year that you enroll. The Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period - What Can You Do? The Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP) runs from January 1st through March 31st. Make sure you know your options. A Few Myths about Medicare Supplement, or Medigap Myth: You can only switch plans during open enrollment. Fact:The truth is a Medicare Supplement beneficiary can change their coverage at any point throughout the year. There are certain periods, however, that allow you to avoid answering medical questions that could keep you from getting a Medigap plan. What the 2020 Medicare Annual Election Period (MAEP) Means for You Also called Fall Open Enrollment, the Medicare Annual Election Period is one of two important periods for individuals eligible for Medicare. Comments are closed.