Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans cover the same services as Medicare Part A and Part B (Original Medicare). In addition to Original Medicare services, Part C plans may also cover services such as prescription drug coverage, vision, dental, and more. To enroll in Part C, you must be enrolled in Original Medicare.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
There are many different enrollment periods that Medicare beneficiaries should take note of, especially if they are interested in making changes to their coverage. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is one of these exact enrollment periods!
The period begins on January 1 each year and lasts until March 31. During this enrollment period, you can do one of two things:
- Drop your Medicare Advantage plan and go back to Original Medicare and enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan
- Switch to another Medicare Advantage plan that has or does not have prescription drug coverage
Do note that the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period can only be used by people already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Any change you make to your Medicare Advantage coverage during this period will take effect on the first day of the month after your new plan receives your request. Since you can drop your Medicare Advantage plan during this enrollment period and go back to Original Medicare, you might be able to buy a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan to supplement your Original Medicare coverage. However, you may not have a guaranteed issue right to do so.
Need Medicare Help? Give Us a Call
For more help with your Medicare coverage, reach out to us at Medicare With Jake. We will help you go over your Medicare Advantage options and walk you through this enrollment period to make the process much easier for you!
