2019 Medicare Open Enrollment
Medicare Open Enrollment is one of the most complex topics to explain. There are so many time frames and specific details that must be discussed, to stay on schedule and not get behind. MWG Senior Services wants to ensure that we give you all the resources and information needed, so you are entirely knowledgeable of the Medicare Open Enrollment available to you.
There are several Medicare Enrollment Periods that you should be aware of. Below you will see the six periods explained.
- Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
- Medicare General Enrollment Period (GEP)
- Medicare Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP)
- Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
- Medicare Supplement Enrollment Period (MS OEP)
The Initial (IEP) is when you are first eligible to enroll in Medicare. The IEP is 7 months long. This period starts 3 months before you turn 65 and 3 months after you turn 65. Within the IEP, you are automatically enrolled in Part A and Part B at age 65, if you have previously received Social Security or if you are receiving benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board.
The General Enrollment Period (GEP) is January 1st – March 31st. The GEP is when YOU can enroll if you did not enroll during THE Initial Enrollment Period, but beware, you may receive a late enrollment penalty in this period.
The Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is the time that allows you to enroll in Medicare or change coverage outside standard periods without you being penalized. Examples of special circumstances might include:
Change in where you live:
- Moving to a new area that the plan does not service.
- Moving back to the U.S. after living out of the country.
- Moving into a nursing facility, hospital or penal institution.
Loss of coverage:
- Individual left a plan.
- Dropped coverage in a Program of All-Inclusive Care for Elderly (PACE) plan.
- Left coverage from employer (COBRA).
- No longer eligible for Medicaid.
Contractual plan change:
- Medicare takes a sanction because of an issue that occurs.
- Medicare terminates plan contract.
- Non-renewal of Medicare plan.
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) begins January 1st and ends March 31st. This period is only accessible if you already have a Medicare Advantage Plan. This is a new period in 2019 where one can change their coverage. The MA OEP replaces the Medicare Advantage Dis-enrollment Period (MADP), which gave beneficiaries in the past the choice to dis-enroll from Medicare Advantage plans and enroll in Original Medicare. It is important to notice you can only make ONE change during MA OEP, unlike the Fall Open/Annual Enrollment, where you are not limited to changes.
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) starts October 15th to December 7th. This period is sometimes also referred to as the “Fall Enrollment Period” and it allows various changes to be implemented on your coverage.
- You can switch from original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or vice versa.
- You can switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another, or Medicare Part D.
- You may receive an enrollment penalty if you have not already enrolled in Medicare Part D (prescription drug plan) but this is the time you can enroll in one.
The Supplement Open Enrollment (MS OEP) is the six-month period immediately following your Part B effective date. During this period, you can get a Medicare Supplement with no health questions.
Although these Medicare Open Enrollment Periods might seem confusing, MWG Senior Services is ready to take your hand and guide you through the Medicare Maze. You don’t have to worry! We want to ensure that you are staying on schedule and crossing everything off your list, so you are not penalized by Medicare.
If you have questions about navigating the ever-changing Medicare maze or retirement phase, we have advisers ready to light the way! Call us at (877) 759-5760 or email senior.services@morganwhite.com. It’s that simple!
To request a quote online, click https://mwgseniorservices.com/medsupp and complete the form.