What is Medicare Open Enrollment?

Posted: November 16, 2022, 9:51AM

Medicare's Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7. This is the time of year that beneficiaries can make certain changes to Medicare coverage. Although you can make as many changes as you need during Open Enrollment, the last change you make will take effect on January 1, 2023.

The changes you can make include: Joining a new Medicare Advantage Plan or Part D Prescription Drug plan, switching from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan, or switching from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare (with or without a Part D plan).

You can call 1 800 MEDICARE (1 800 633-4227) to make changes by phone or go to medicare.gov to compare options and enroll in some plans online.

Keep in mind that there is a late enrollment penalty that is permanently added to your Medicare drug coverage if, at any time after your Initial Enrollment Period is over, there is a period of 63 days or more days in a row that you don't have Medicare drug coverage or other creditable prescription drug coverage. You will generally pay the penalty for as long as you have Medicare drug coverage. The penalty depends on how long you went without Part D or creditable prescription drug coverage.

Have questions or need help? Contact your Medicare insurance specialist or your local SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) counselor. You can find your SHIP counselor at www.shiphelp.org.