The Medicare Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is a designated timeframe during which individuals who are eligible for Medicare can make changes to their existing coverage outside of the regular enrollment periods. This special enrollment period is typically triggered by specific life events that may impact an individual's healthcare needs, such as retirement, moving to a new location, or losing employer-sponsored health insurance. During the SEP, individuals have the opportunity to enroll in new Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plans, switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or make changes to their existing coverage. It provides a valuable opportunity for individuals to reassess their healthcare needs and make adjustments to ensure they have the most suitable coverage for their unique circumstances.

You get a 6 month “Medigap Open Enrollment” period, which starts the first month you have Medicare Part B and you’re 65 or older. During this time, you can enroll in any Medigap policy and the insurance company can’t deny you coverage due to pre-existing health problems. After this period, you may not be able to buy a Medigap policy, or it may cost more. Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a one-time enrollment. It doesn’t repeat every year, like the Medicare Advantage & Prescription Drug Plan Annual Enrollment Period.

The Medicare Advantage Annual Open Enrollment Period is a specific time period when individuals who are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan have the opportunity to make changes to their coverage. This enrollment period, occurs from January 1st to March 31st each year. During this time, individuals can change to another Medicare Advantage Plan with or without drug coverage, or drop your Medicare Advantage Plan and go back to Original Medicare.. They also have the option to enroll in a stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan if their Medicare Advantage plan does not offer prescription drug coverage. It is important to note that changes made during this enrollment period are limited to one change per person. The Medicare Advantage Annual Open Enrollment Period gives beneficiaries the chance to review their current coverage, compare available options, and make changes that align with their healthcare needs for the upcoming year.

The Medicare Advantage & Prescription Drug Plan Annual Enrollment Period, also known as the Annual Election Period (AEP), is a crucial time for individuals enrolled in Medicare Advantage to make changes to their healthcare coverage. This period occurs annually from October 15th to December 7th. During the Medicare Annual Election Period, beneficiaries have the opportunity to make various changes to their Medicare Advantage coverage. They can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or vice versa. They can also switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or from one Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to another. Additionally, individuals already enrolled in Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D plans can make changes to their current plans, such as switching to a plan with a plan that may include additional plan benefits, or affordable plans. Medicare Advantage & Prescription Drug Plan Annual Enrollment Period provides beneficiaries with the flexibility to review their healthcare needs, evaluate their current coverage, and make changes that will suit their preferences and budget for the upcoming year.