Medicare Open Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 to December 7, 2011, is the main opportunity seniors with Medicare can make unrestricted changes to their coverage options. This includes changes to Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans.
Review all of your coverage options even if you are happy with your current coverage, because plans change their costs and benefits every year.
During open enrollment you can do the following:
- Change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan.
- Change from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare.
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan.
- Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that doesn't offer drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers drug coverage.
- Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage Plan that doesn't offer drug coverage.
- Join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
- Switch from one Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to another.
- Drop your Medicare prescription drug coverage completely.
A second chance: Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period
January 1, 2012 – February 14, 2012
If you are unhappy with the choices you made during Open Enrollment regarding a Medicare Advantage Plan, there is a way out. If you become unhappy with your Medicare Advantage plan, you have the option to switch to Original Medicare during the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP).
During the MADP you can make changes only if you have a Medicare Advantage plan. You cannot make any changes if you have Original Medicare.
What you can do during MADP:
- If you are in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can leave your plan and switch to Original Medicare.
- If you switch to Original Medicare during this period, you will have until February 14 to also join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to add drug coverage. Your coverage will begin the first day of the month after the plan gets your enrollment form.
What you CAN'T Do
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan.
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another.
- Switch from one Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to another.
- Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Medical Savings Account Plan.