What is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

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The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, or OEP, runs each year from January 1 through March 31. During this time, 2020 Medicare Advantage (Part C) members can change plans without penalty from CMS. The Medicare Advantage OEP is not to be confused with the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which runs from October 15 through December 7.

Changes You Can Make During the Medicare Advantage OEP

Between January 1 and March 31, members can make the following changes. They can:

Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan
Drop a Medicare Advantage plan and switch to Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and a standalone prescription drug (Part D) plan
Drop a Medicare Advantage plan and switch to Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and a Medicare Supplement plan (also called a Medigap plan)

The effective date of Medicare Advantage disenrollment during the OEP will be the first day of the month following the date the disenrollment request is received. This means that disenrollment requests received by a Medicare Advantage plan in January will be effective February 1; those received in February will be effective March 1; and those received in March will be effective April 1.

There is one catch: each Medicare Advantage member can only make one switch during OEP.

Find the Plan That’s Right for You

If you or a loved one are unhappy with your Medicare Advantage plan, the OEP provides an opportunity for you to make a change, and with so many strong Medicare Advantage plans in the region, you’re bound to find one that’s right for you. Medicare Advantage plans offer high value for their costs. They can include prescription drug coverage, eliminating the need to keep track of separate prescription drug coverage details. They may also offer many extra benefits that Medicare Supplement plans and Original Medicare can’t, like fitness programs, over-the-counter benefits, and expanded medical benefits including chiropractic or podiatric care.

Best of all, Medicare Advantage plans have a great track record of supporting member wellness. They ensure that members get preventive services, they reduce hospitalizations, and they may be more affordable than you think.

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Website last updated: 2/17/2020