What is Medicare fall open enrollment and traditional open enrollment?

Medicare fall open enrollment allows for you to enroll or change your Medicare coverage. Open enrollment in the marketplace for health insurance is not the same. To qualify for Medicare, you must be 65 or older. This is not the same as Medicaid and does not have any correlation with Medicare. Below you will find helpful tips to know about the open enrollment period to select or keep the best coverage for you.

Here are the 4 things you need to know.

1. Medicare supplements and advantage plans change almost every year. It is important to know those changes during open enrollment in the case you wish to change your plan.
2. There is only one time during the year to change or enroll in Medicare Advantage/Part D plan. Fall open enrollment is through October 15^th and December 7^th or also known as annual election period. Coverage takes effect January 1^st.
3. What can I do during fall open enrollment?
   • The only time you can change your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. Or switch from Medicare Advantage to traditional Medicare coverage.
   • Review your current Medicare health and drug coverage and make changes during this time to your current plans.
   • Available in Arizona is a Medigap policy that helps pay for original Medicare costs. There are restrictions for individuals who qualify for this policy.
4. What if I do not like my Medicare Advantage Plan?
   • If you are dissatisfied with your Medicare Advantage plan, you change during the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment period at the beginning of each year.
5. There are resources to help you navigate the Medicare system and options.

Please reach out to us for free resources. We have a team of specialists ready to help you with your questions about Medicare.