The season is upon us for enrolling in Medicare or changing your Medicare coverage.
Here’s the Important Dates to Know
Annual Enrollment: October 15, 2019 to December 7, 2019
During Annual Enrollment, you can:
Switch between Original Medicare (Parts A (hospital) and B (outpatient)) and Medicare Advantage plan
Add or drop Medicare Part D (prescription drug)
Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or from one Medicare Part D plan to another
General Enrollment: January 1, 2020 - March 31, 2020
During General Enrollment, you can:
Sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B if you didn't when first eligible and if you're not eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. A late enrollment penalty may apply. Coverage goes into effect on July 1, 2020.
People who enroll in Medicare Parts A and B during the general enrollment period also have the option to enroll in Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan from April 1 - June 30.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: January 1, 2020 - March 31, 2020
During Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment, you can:
Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another. Your plan change takes effect one month after you enroll.
Switch from Medicare Advantage to Medicare Parts A and B plus a Medicare D plan. Your plan change takes effect one month after you enroll.
Initial Enrollment: 3 months before the month you turn 65 and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65
In additions to these dates, remember that in your Initial Enrollment Period, you can:
Sign up for a Medicare D Drug plan
Sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan
Sign up for a Medicare Supplement plan
In order to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare supplement, you will need to have both Parts A and B.
It’s all a bit confusing, but I’m here to help. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
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