For 2021, Medicare coverage open enrollment is from October 15, 2020 through December 7, 2020. Medicare Advantage open enrollment is January 1, 2021 through March 31, 2021. During the annual enrollment period (AEP) you can make changes to various aspects of your coverage:
- Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage.
- Switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare (plus a Part D plan and possibly a Medigap plan).
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or from one Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan to another.
- Drop Part D coverage altogether.
- Enroll in a Part D plan – if you didn’t enroll in a Medicare Part D plan when you were first eligible. A late enrollment penalty may apply.
If you wish to enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, you must meet some basic criteria:
- You must be enrolled in Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B).
- You must live in the service area of a Medicare Advantage insurance provider that is accepting new users during your application period.
- You do not have End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
If you need assistance with navigating your coverage options, please let us know as we have partnered with several local professionals who may be able to assist you.