Medicare Open Enrollment Period
Medicare Open Enrollment Period
Once a year Medicare open enrollment period is October 15 to December 7 – also known as Annual Election Period or Annual Enrollment period – anyone with Medicare can make changes to their Medicare health plans and prescription drug coverage for the following year. For example, the next Medicare open enrollment is October 15, 2021 through December 7, 2021. Any changes you make to Medicare coverage during this open enrollment period will take effect in January 2022. Read more about what you can do during open enrollment period.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
Likewise, Medicare Advantage open enrollment period occurs once a year between January 1 thru March 31. Anyone who has a Medicare Advantage Plan can switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan. Alternatively, you can drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare. Then you can join a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. For example, read the following story about George.
Why George Switched from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare
George turned 65 last year and enrolled in Medicare Advantage Plan. In 2021, George and his wife Barbara bought a recreation vehicle (RV). Having received COVID-19 vaccinations, they plan to enjoy retirement by traveling across the United States in their new RV. However, George has an Advantage Plan and when he travels outside of his service area he pays higher out-of-network costs. Therefore, George makes a smart move and switches from his Advantage Plan to Medicare with a Part D prescription drug plan.
Now, George and Barbara have peace of mind knowing their health costs will remain consistent wherever they travel in the United States. The good news is you can switch too! Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is from January 1 to March 31. If you have a Medicare Advantage (MA) Plan, you can switch to a different MA Plan. Otherwise, you can drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare and join Part D prescription drug plan. To shop and compare Medicare plans call Senior Healthcare Direct at 1-855-368-4717 or click the get quote button below.
Common Questions About Medicare Open Enrollment
Medicare open enrollment also called annual election period and annual enrollment period (AEP) is the annual period between October 15 and December 7 when people eligible for Medicare can change their Medicare plan.
Annual Medicare open enrollment period is October 15 to December 7. Open enrollment for 2022 coverage ended on December 7, 2021. Next open enrollment will begin October 15, 2021 for coverage starting in January 2022. 
Medicare Advantage open enrollment only applies to people who have Medicare Advantage plans. During Medicare Advantage OEP you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan. Alternatively, you can switch from Medicare Advantage plan to Original Medicare including Part D prescription drug plan.
Medicare Advantage open enrollment is January 1 to March 31. 
During Medicare Advantage open enrollment period you can not switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage Plan. In addition, you can not join Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Furthermore, you can not switch from Medicare Part D drug plan to another Part D drug plan.
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