What Is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for individuals aged 65 and older, though it also covers some younger people with disabilities. It helps pay for various medical services, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription drugs, ensuring that millions of Americans have access to essential health care.
When Is Medicare Open Enrollment?
Each year from October 15 to December 7, Medicare offers you the option to make changes to your Medicare coverage. Changes you make during this Medicare Open Enrollment Period will become effective the following January 1.
Why Does the Open Enrollment Period Matter?
For those who already have enrolled in Medicare, the Medicare Open Enrollment Period offers you an opportunity to review your current plan, compare it to other options, and make changes.
Each year, Medicare plans can change their premiums, deductibles, networks of physicians, coverage options, and prescription drug coverage. If you aren't paying attention to those changes, you may learn the hard way that your favorite doctor or your most essential medication are no longer covered.
Take this time of year to sit down and compare the benefits of different plans. Look for changes in premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs to find the best option for your health care needs.
Make sure that your preferred doctors and hospitals are still included in your plan’s network. This can significantly affect your access to care.
If you take any prescription medications, check if your current plan is continuing to cover them and at what cost. You might find a plan that offers better coverage for your prescriptions.
During the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, you are not required to make changes to your coverage. But keep in mind that reviewing your current plan as well as the options available to you could ultimately save you money.
What You Can Do During Medicare Open Enrollment 2024
You can opt to do the following during the Open Enrollment Period:
- Switch from Original Medicare (also known as Traditional Medicare, or Part A and Part B) to a Medicare Advantage Plan
- Switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- Enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan (or switch to a new Medicare Part D prescription drug plan if you already are enrolled in Original Medicare)
Depending on the state in which you live, you might also be able to purchase a supplemental insurance policy, known as Medigap, during this time. Reach out to your state’s Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for more information about the Medigap enrollment rules in your state.
Ask the Experts
If you need assistance, numerous resources are available not only during the open enrollment period, but also year-round. Here are a few reliable ways to seek some help:
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE
- Visit Medicare’s website at medicare.gov, where you can use the Plan Finder tool to compare plans
- Contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
- Consult with a qualified elder law attorney in your area
Be Aware
- Remember that the choices you make during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period can impact your health care for the entire year, so take the time to make informed decisions.
- You are not required to make any changes to your Medicare coverage.
- Be wary of fraudsters, particularly during the open enrollment period. If someone tries to pressure you into joining a plan or asks for your Medicare number, contact the Senior Medicare Patrol in your area. These services can assist, should you need to report anything suspicious.
- Any changes you make will begin January 1.
- If you are having trouble affording your Medicare prescription drug coverage, learn more about Medicare's Extra Help program. You may qualify if you meet the program's income requirements. (Note that if you have Medicaid, you will automatically qualify for Extra Help.)
Additional Reading
To learn more about the basics of Medicare, check out the following articles:
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