Medicare open enrollment traditionally starts in November and closes at the end of the year. Deadlines have changed for 2011, however, and the period when you can make changes has been brought forward. What are the new dates, why have they changed and what can you do during the enrollment window?
Medicare Open Enrollment Dates 2011
The window begins on October 15 and closes on December 7 2011. This brings the enrollment period forward – it usually starts later in the year in November and closes on December 31. You should receive your annual letter by the end of September notifying you of any upcoming changes to your plan and you'll start to see insurers outlining their options for 2012 coverage from October 1.
Why is the Enrollment Period Earlier This Year?
Leaving the closing date to the last day of the year has caused problems in the past for some seniors who have waited until close to deadline to make changes. Bringing it forward should simply make it easier for the system to get up and running on January 1 2012 as it should. This also takes the Christmas holiday period out of the equation. Although some people do use the holidays to consider their options, others get diverted and have to make snap decisions at the last minute.
What Changes Can You Make in the Open Enrollment Period?
You can use this time to make various changes to Medicare Advantage and prescription drug coverage. This could involve joining, changing, switching or dropping a plan. So, for example, you could:
- Move from Original Medicare to an Advantage plan (or vice versa).
- Change to a new Advantage plan (either as a straight switch or to add/remove additional benefits such as drug coverage).
- Join, switch or drop a prescription drug plan.
Although you may be able to make some changes in January/February 2012 if you miss this enrollment period, you then become limited to basically switching from Original Medicare to an Advantage Plan with some drug coverage options thrown in. It is worth noting, however, that you may be able to make changes at other times under certain circumstances according to Special Enrollment Period rules.
It is worth re-visiting your coverage during open enrollment to check that you have the best/right options in place. Your plan may change, your own circumstances may be different now or you may find that there are more cost-effective options out there.
If you are new to Medicare or need more information about your choices, then take a look at the NCOA's MyMedicareMatters online service. Those on low incomes may be able to get assistance with prescription drug costs – you can use BenefitsCheckUp to see if you are eligible for help with this.
Sources: Medicare.gov; Medicare Publications ( Understanding Medicare Enrollment Periods – 11219).
All sources accessed on September 9, 2011.
Carol Finch - Carol Finch is the Topic Editor for Retirement Planning, Budgeting, E-Commerce & Technical/Business Writing on Suite101.
Join the Conversation