When it comes to Medicare open enrollment for 2021 coverage, there are three general periods that you should know about:
- Your personal Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) for Medicare.
- The yearly Medicare Part C enrollment period.
- The yearly Medicare Part C and Part D enrollment period.
For the majority of Americans, the Medicare enrollment period happens around the months that they turn 65. In general, you are able to sign up for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) up to 3 months before and 3 months after your 65th birthday.
When it comes to Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) and/or Part D (prescription coverage), you can sign up when you first enroll in Medicare, or you can wait to sign up during one of the two open enrollment periods each year.
The Medicare Advantage (Part C) open enrollment period happens at the beginning of every year, from January 1 – March 31. This period is only for people who already have Medicare Advantage. During this time, you can switch between different Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans, go back to “Original Medicare” (Part A and Part B) or enroll in a prescription plan (Part D).
The Medicare Part D open enrollment period happens at the end of every year, from October 15 – December 7. This period is for anyone currently enrolled in any part of Medicare. During this time, you can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Part C, or vice versa. You can also join a Part D plan.
By Admin –
