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The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for 2023 is coming right up. If your budget or medical needs have changed in the last year, or you aren’t sure about the changes that are coming to your plan in 2023 after reviewing your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter; it’s time to get ready for AEP. If you are considering making a switch to a new plan or you have any questions about your options, schedule a meeting with your trusted Medicare agent today.
Medicare insurance agents at Premier Benefit Consultants are available now to provide a free review of your current Medicare insurance plan and discuss all your options. Contact us today!
Get Ready for Medicare Annual Enrollment Period 2023
It’s important to know the dates for Medicare Annual Enrollment because this is the window where you can make changes to your Medicare health and drug coverage that will take effect on January 1, 2023.
Medicare AEP for 2023 coverage is from Saturday, October 15 through Wednesday, December 7, 2022.
Note: Medicare Annual Enrollment 2023 may also be referred to as the 2023 Medicare Annual Election Period or the Medicare enrollment period for 2023.
The AEP should not be confused with other Medicare enrollment periods:
The initial enrollment period (IEP) is a seven-month window around a senior’s 65th birthday where they can sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B. It begins three months before the birthday month, includes the birthday month and extends three months after the birthday month.
Seniors can use a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to make changes to their Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug coverage when certain life events happen, like if you move or you lose other insurance coverage through an employer.
The General Enrollment Period is available to seniors who didn’t sign up for Medicare Part B when they were first eligible AND who aren’t eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. It runs between January 1–March 31 each year, with coverage starting on July 1 of that year. Kupuna who enroll during the GEP may have to pay a Part B late enrollment penalty.
What changes can I make to my health coverage during the Annual Enrollment Period?
During AEP, Medicare recipients can:
Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan.
Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to Original Medicare.
Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
Join a Part D prescription drug plan if you’re on Original Medicare.
Change from one Medicare Part D drug plan to another.
Cancel Part D coverage.
Can I make changes to my Medicare Supplement plan during AEP?
Unlike other types of Medicare coverage, there isn’t an annual open enrollment period for Medicare Supplement policies like MedSup and Medigap. We recommend making changes to supplemental policies within the six-month period from the month you enroll in Medicare Part B.
Can I still make changes to my Medicare coverage if I miss the Annual Enrollment Period?
There are a few ways to make changes to your Medicare insurance outside of the AEP:
1. If you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period then you will still be able to make changes to your 2023 health coverage during that period.
2. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period will run between January 1 and March 31, 2023. It gives seniors on a Medicare Advantage Plan a one-time opportunity to switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan or back to Original Medicare.
3. If you missed your Initial Enrollment Period, you can sign up for a Medicare plan during the General Enrollment Period, January 1, 2023 through March 31, 2023.
Outside of these options, you will need to wait until next year’s AEP to make changes to your Medicare coverage.
What if I don’t want to make changes to my Medicare plan? Do I need to re-enroll every year?
If you are happy with your Medicare coverage, you do not need to re-enroll every year; the plan will roll-over automatically. It is, however, important to read over the Annual Notice of Change statement that explains any and all changes coming to your Medicare plan(s) for the 2023 calendar year before making the decision to stay on your plan. Your Medicare agent can answer any questions you have about changes coming to your health coverage.
Our independent insurance agents are dedicated to assisting people on Medicare and those who are ready to transition from employer coverage to personal retirement coverage. We help kupuna understand their benefits options and apply for additional coverage, as needed. We are the only insurance agency in Hawaii contracted with EVERY Medicare Advantage plan, which means we are able to offer unbiased advice; all at no cost to our clients.
At PBC, our clients are our number one priority and we look forward to getting to know you and your needs. Call us today at (808) 738-4500 to see how we may be of assistance.
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