Avisery Alert: Understanding the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period and General Enrollment Period
Avisery updated an informational resource sheet designed to help professionals counsel and assist beneficiaries during two important Medicare enrollment periods that are happening now.
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period takes place January 1 to March 31 every year. This enrollment period permits beneficiaries in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans to change to another MA plan or return to Original Medicare and a standalone Part D plan for prescription drug coverage. This is an opportunity for individuals who are currently in an MA plan that does not work for them to make a change that better meets their health and/or prescription drug needs.
The Medicare General Enrollment Period (GEP) also takes place annually from January 1 to March 31. This enrollment period allows individuals who did not sign up for Medicare when they are first eligible to enroll during this time period. Medicare coverage will be effective the following month after enrollment. Individuals may have to pay more for their Medicare premiums when using the GEP to enroll into Medicare. Additionally, individuals who must pay Premium Part A and qualify for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program can enroll in Medicare using Medicare Part A Conditional Enrollment. To learn more, click here (scroll down to "Guide to Conditional Part A Enrollment in Illinois".)
If you have questions or need help counselingolder adults and adults with disabilities on Medicare, Medicaid, or other health benefits programs, reach out to Avisery's "Ask the Expert"service for professionals at
Avisery by AgeOptions provides tools and support to professionals serving older adults and people with disabilities, enabling them to help their clients access healthcare coverage that allows them to thrive as they age.
Contact us atavisery@ageoptions.orgor visit our website for more information.
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