What is Medicare Open Enrollment?

Posted: September 18, 2024, 10:14AM

Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 17 through December 7 for those enrolling for 2025 and gives beneficiaries the opportunity to make changes that may better serve their health needs.

Medicare health and drug plans can make changes yearly, including cost, coverage, providers, and/or pharmacies. Starting October 17, Medicare beneficiaries can change their Medicare health plans and Part D (prescription drug) coverage for 2025.

Beneficiaries need to review the Annual Notice of Coverage that their current plan sends to see if there are coverage changes and how they affect their health care. If you are satisfied with the plan's coverage for the upcoming year, you don't need to do anything.

You can join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare drug plan, or switch to Original Medicare during Open enrollment. Please note that in most states, you cannot switch Medicare Supplements nor can you enroll in a Medicare Supplement without an evaluation of your health or underwriting*. (*In most states, only those new to Medicare can enroll in a Medicare Supplement without a health evaluation.)

What if you need help? You can contact Medicare at 1 800 MEDICARE, go to Medicare.gov and compare plans, or contact your local SHIP (State Health Insurance Information Program) counselor. All states have SHIP programs.