Medicare Advantage Plan Enrollment Periods
Top Questions and Answers on Medicare Advantage Enrollment
It’s important to make well-researched Medicare Advantage decisions now, find providers and submit paperwork to ensure coverage. Exactly when and how to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan can depend on several factors, including age, current location and personal life events.
Selecting a plan can be a big decision and your healthcare needs will likely evolve over time. It’s crucial to review coverage and make adjustments as your needs change. These are the most common questions and answers about enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan:
QU: When can I enroll in Medicare Advantage for the first time?
Your first opportunity to enroll in Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan is during the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). IEP is a seven-month window, beginning three months before you turn 65. Initial enrollment ends three months after your birthday. During this time, you can enroll in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance), or join a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan.*
If you didn’t sign up for Original Medicare during the IEP and do not qualify for special enrollment, you may participate in the General Enrollment Period. This period lasts from January 1-March 31. Additionally, there are specific periods for making changes to your Medicare coverage.
QU: When can I move from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan?
If you already have Medicare Parts A and B, you can switch to a Medicare Advantage plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), or during the Open Enrollment Period. AEP occurs from October 15-December 7 each year. Make the most of the Medicare services and insurance plans available, ensuring that you’re covered and protected during your retirement years.
QU: Can I switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan?
Yes, and you have several chances to change Medicare Advantage plans. You can switch plans during the AEP or during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP). OEP occurs each year from January 1-March 31. You must be currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan to take part in the MA-OEP. Over time, your healthcare needs may change. Regularly check or update your policy to make sure it still fits your needs.
QU: What is a Special Enrollment Period?
If you experience certain life events outside the standard enrollment periods, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Rules about when you can make changes and the type of changes are different for each Medicare enrollment period.
Situations and particular conditions may allow certain members to join outside of traditional enrollment periods, including:
- Loss of employer-paid health coverage
- Gaining or losing Medicaid eligibility
- Certain life events (like relocation) may qualify
- Your insurance plan changes its Medicare contract
Enroll in a plan
Prominence Medicare Advantage plans offer comprehensive provider networks and access to medical and dental services in Florida, Nevada and Texas markets.* If you’re enrolling in Prominence Medicare Advantage for the first time, you can enroll online, by mail or by phone. Call 866-747-8855.
* All benefits not available on all plans
Additional health resources for Medicare Advantage
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