Last Chance to Apply for Medicare Open Enrollment: Deadline 7th December 2024

Medicare plans, much like your healthcare needs, are quite likely to change from year to year. During this period, the Medicare Open Enrollment enables you to review and update your current Medicare coverage. The period of Medicare Open Enrollment occurs annually from October 15 to December 7.

Here’s some information to help prepare for Medicare Open Enrollment and make the most of your Medicare coverage in 2025.

Key Takeaways

• If you are already enrolled in Medicare, you can switch to a different plan when the open enrollment period arrives.
• Medicare Open Enrollment for 2025 begins on October 15 and ends on December 7, 2024. Open enrollment changes become effective on January 1, 2025.

When is the Medicare Open Enrollment Period?

Known by other names, such as the “Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan annual election period,” “annual enrollment period,” or “AEP,” Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period occurs annually from October 15 to December 7. This is the primary time for people to choose or change their Medicare coverage. Accepted coverage changes go into effect January 1 of the following year.

Other times of the year, like Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment, which occurs annually from January 1 to March 31, are also open enrollment periods. These are explained in more detail below.

What can you do during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period?

People who are already enrolled in Medicare can change their Medicare plan’s coverage, including:

• A Medicare advance plan is a choice over Original Medicare, or vice versa.
• Switching to a Medicare Advantage plan that does include prescription medication coverage
• Switching to a different Medicare Advantage plan
• Switch to a different private insurer to get Medicare Part D prescription medication coverage
• Change, add, or drop a Medicare Part D prescription medication plan
• Switch to a different private insurer.

Important Medicare enrollment dates to mark on your calendar

Dates	Oct 15–Dec 7	Jan 1	Jan 1–Mar 1
Details	Medicare Open Enrollment	Medicare changes take effect	Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (extra time for Medicare Advantage plan members to switch or drop their MA plan)

What if I miss the annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period?

If open enrollment is still available in your area, you will probably be automatically re-enrolled in your plan if you miss it. The next year, if you continue to pay the necessary premiums, you will remain in the same plan.

Outside of open enrollment, there are a few situations in which you can change your plan. Among these situations are:

• You can often join or transfer to a different plan during the Special Enrollment Period (SEP) when specific life circumstances occur, such moving or losing other health coverage.
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: Individuals who currently have a Medicare Advantage plan have the option to return to Original Medicare or enroll in a different Medicare Advantage plan from January 1 and March 31.
• During the 5-star special enrollment period, you have the option of transferring from your existing Medicare plan to one with a “5-star” quality rating if one is offered in your area. This enrollment period can only be used at specific times.

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