&amp;amp;amp;lt;img height="1" width="1" style="display:none"&amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;<br /> src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=195941452349389&amp;amp;amp;amp;ev=PageView&amp;amp;amp;amp;noscript=1"&amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;<br /> /&amp;amp;amp;gt; Changing Coverage - C-Medisolutions

Changing Coverage

How to Switch Medicare Plans

Understanding Open Enrollment, Disenrollment, and Special Enrollment Periods

No matter how carefully you weigh your options before signing up for Medicare, you still may end up having to change plans at some point. Your healthcare needs could shift, you could move to a new state, or your income could change dramatically, leaving you with few good options aside from switching plans. Also, your plan itself can change in ways that make it less suitable for you. Medicare has strict rules for when and how you can change plans, so the keys to a successful initial enrollment still apply when you’re changing plans. Know your deadlines and mark your calendar.

You Love Your Coverage, So Why Change?

If you’re happy with your coverage, you don’t have to do anything during the government’s annual open enrollment period. Your plan generally will renew for the next year (assuming it’s not going bankrupt, which does happen occasionally). However, you must read your plan’s Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), which your plan must make sure you receive by September 30. This letter details all of the changes to your plan for the following year. If you haven’t received it by the first week of October, contact your plan immediately and ask them to send you a copy.

Most plans make changes every year. And while it may seem tedious to read through them, doing so can save you a lot of money and frustration. If you don’t read your ANOC, you might show up at the pharmacy expecting your usual $10 copay only to find that it’s gone up to $85. Read your ANOC to avoid surprises and decide whether the changes make switching plans a good idea.

You Love Your Coverage, So Why Change?

Suppose you want to alter your Medicare coverage in some way. In that case, chances are you’ll need to do so during the open enrollment, which takes place each year from October 15 to December 7. During open enrollment, you can:

Disenrollment

Suppose you’re enrolled in the Medicare Advantage plan but want to switch to Original Medicare. In that case, you can do so during open enrollment. But you can also take advantage of the separate Medicare Advantage disenrollment period. (MADP), which lasts from Jan.1 to February 14 each year. Your new coverage will begin either February 1 or March 1, depending on when you disenroll.

To start the disenrollment process, call either your MA plan or Medicare directly and request to disenroll. If (and only if) the Medicare Advantage plan you’re leaving included Part D coverage, you may use this period to sign up for a Part D plan as well. Since you’re switching to Original Medicare, you can also use this period to sign up for a Medigap policy if you wish to do so. However, because this isn’t your original enrollment period, you may be denied Medigap coverage based on your age or health. Also, the insurance company may charge you a higher premium.

Special Enrollment

In certain circumstances, you may qualify for a special enrollment period (SEP), during which you can change your Medicare coverage outside of open enrollment. A SEP is based on your personal circumstances, so you may need to research to know if your reason for switching care qualifies. It’s a good idea to check with your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to see if your particular situation gives you the option.

Common situations that qualify for the Special Enrollment Period (SEP) include:

While most SEPs last between two and three months, there’s no standard length, and the duration of a SEP can vary based on a variety of factors. It’s essential to make sure you know exactly how long yours will last.

The following articles are related to Changing Coverage:

Share this content:
Scroll to Top

Let us help you!

We make Medicare easy for you. Let us help you select the best carrier for you. Or if you have any questions, we’ll be happy to answer. FREE and NO string attached.