Handy Calendar - Medicare Pal

Jan 1 - March 31

Original Medicare (Part A & Part B)

The General Enrollment Period (GEP) for Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) is an important time for individuals who did not sign up for Medicare when they were first eligible. It runs from January 1st to March 31st each year.

During the GEP, you can enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Part B if you missed your initial enrollment period, typically around your 65th birthday. However, it's crucial to note that coverage will not start immediately but on July 1st of the same year you sign up. This period offers a critical opportunity for those who need to secure Medicare coverage but didn't enroll during their initial eligibility window.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Prescription Drug Plan (Part D)

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) occurs annually from January 1st to March 31st. This period offers individuals enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan the opportunity to make changes to their healthcare coverage. During the MA OEP, you can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, regardless of whether the new plan offers prescription drug coverage or not. Alternatively, you can opt to leave your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). If you choose to switch back to Original Medicare, you also have the chance to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) during this time. This enrollment period provides flexibility for Medicare Advantage enrollees to adjust their healthcare plans according to their changing needs or preferences.

Events not found.

Oct 15 - Dec 7

Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Prescription Drug Plan (Part D)

If you're enrolled in Part B but not Part A during the General Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31), you're eligible to enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.

Conversely, if you have both Part A and are enrolled in Part B within the same enrollment window, you have the option to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan, which may include drug coverage or not.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Prescription Drug Plan (Part D)

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), often associated with Medicare, is a specific time each year when individuals who are eligible for Medicare can make changes to their Medicare coverage. This period is crucial for both new enrollees and current Medicare beneficiaries who wish to adjust their plans based on changes in their healthcare needs, changes in Medicare plans, or changes in plan costs. During AEP time, you can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Prescription Drug Plan. Any changes made during the AEP take effect on January 1st of the following year.

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