Now that AEP (Annual Enrollment Period) or “Open Enrollment” has ended, you might be wondering how you can enroll, change your plan, or you simply just missed the opportunity to review your current coverage.

What and When is “Open Enrollment”?

“Open Enrollment” is your Annual Enrollment Period (or often referred to as AEP) where, without penalty, you can enroll, change, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Prescription Drug Plan (Part D). It occurs every year from October 15th through December 7th.

Why would I want to change my plan during Open Enrollment?

Every year, Medicare Advantage Plans and Prescription Drug Plans (Part D) send out an “Annual Notice of Change” letter to their customers. In this letter, they outline what, if anything, is changing about your plan or simply that your plan isn’t going to be available for the following year. It’s not uncommon that the price, coverage, or deductible might change from year to year.

That’s why, every year, our team at MC Insurance offers a review for your plan at no cost to you. This year, across the Bay Area, Santa Clara County to Sacramento counties, we saw a major disruption in coverage with Sutter Networks. We helped hundreds of Medicare beneficiaries navigate this change for 2024!

What if I missed the Medicare “Open Enrollment”?

While we strongly encourage you to put it on your calendar and pay attention to our emails – we know that life happens. You may have an option for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), so give us a call! Here’s a few ways that you can make changes now that Open Enrollment has ended:

1. New to Medicare or Retiring
2. Losing your Employer Group Plan
3. Moving or Relocating out of your current plans service area
4. Natural Disaster in your county
5. Give us a call so we can review your current plan(s) – 408-848-2271 or toll free 888- 773-1466.
   

The reality is, you might not be able to change your plan until the next Open Enrollment. But it might be worth reaching out and seeing what options you have. There can be an exception to the rule based on your state, your eligibility, or your current plan.

Questions about Open Enrollment?

We like our customers to stay informed so don’t hesitate to reach out. Leave your question in the comments or reach out to us directly – majesta@mcinsurance.com or 408-848-2271.