The Annual Enrollment Period (“AEP”) for Medicare beneficiaries to change their Part C (“Medicare Advantage”) and/or Part D (prescription drug) plans begins Oct 15th running through and including Dec 7th. During the AEP a person may:

  • join a Part D plan
  • drop a Part D plan
  • switch to a new Part D plan
  • drop a Medicare Advantage plan
  • return to “traditional Medicare”
  • join a Medicare Advantage plan with or without drug coverage

Changes made during the AEP will be effective Jan 1st.

Medicare beneficiaries choosing between “traditional Medicare” and a Part C (“Medicare Advantage”) program are wise to understand the differences.

Traditional Medicare:  Traditional Medicare involves Part A, B, and D plans. The federal government directly provides the coverage for Part A (hospitalization) and Part B (medical expenses).

Medicare Advantage (Part C):  Medicare Advantage involves a non-governmental insurance provider that offers the same essential coverage that traditional Medicare does. In addition Medicare Advantage plans have the option of including additional benefits that traditional Medicare doesn’t cover such as dental care or vision-related services.

Additional information on plan features, pricing and other decision-making variables may be found here.