Make plan changes from Oct.15-Dec. 7

MEDICARE

What to Do During Medicare Annual Enrollment

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is Oct. 15-Dec. 7. During this time, people can make changes to their Medicare coverage without penalty, including joining, or switching or dropping a Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plan.

People can also choose to keep their current coverage.

Below is information to help LWers feel confident and ready for AEP.

• Should I keep my current Medicare coverage?

People who have experienced changes in health, finances or overall lifestyle in the last year should evaluate their current Medicare coverage to make sure it still meets their needs.

• Do I have to renew my Medicare plan? If you decide to keep your current Medicare plan, you may wonder if you need to renew with the plan provider. You do not. If you keep paying your plan premiums and other costs, you do not need to actively renew your enrollment in your plan.

• Considering switching Medicare plans?

For people whose current Medicare plan has been discontinued or coverage for health benefits has changed, switching Medicare plans may be the right move. Be sure to compare Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare supplement (Medigap) plans to figure out which is the best option.

During AEP, people can:

• Drop a Medicare Advantage plan for Original Medicare. If you do, you’ll also lose the prescription drug coverage that was included with your Medicare Advantage plan.

• Add a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan (PDP) if you already have Original Medicare or certain Medicare Advantage plans.

• Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage. If you do, you may be able to drop your stand-alone Part D plan, too, as most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage.

• Drop your current Part D or Medicare Advantage plan and enroll in a new one.