You can make changes to your Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug coverage when certain events happen in your life, like if you move or you lose other insurance coverage. These chances to make changes are called Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs). Rules about when you can make changes and the type of changes you can make are different for each SEP.
YOU CHANGE WHERE YOU LIVE:
Moved to new address outside my plan’s service area
If you’re in a Medicare Advantage (MA) Plan and you move outside your plan’s service area, you can also choose to return to Original Medicare. If you don’t enroll in a new MA Plan during the time explained below, you’ll be enrolled in Original Medicare when you’re disenrolled from your old Medicare Advantage Plan.
WHEN CAN YOU ENROLL:
If you tell your plan before you move, your chance to switch plans begins the month before the month you move and continues for 2 full months after you move. If you tell your plan after you move, your chance to switch plans begins the month you tell your plan, plus 2 more full months.
I'm eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.
You can join, switch, or drop your Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare prescription drug coverage.
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When can you enroll? One time during each of these periods:
• January–March
• April–June• July–September
If you make a change, it will take effect on the first day of the following month. You’ll have to wait for the next period to make another change. You can’t use this Special Enrollment Period from October–December. However, all people with Medicare can make changes to their coverage from October 15–December 7, and the changes will take effect on January 1.
I qualify for Extra Help paying for Medicare prescription drug coverage.
You can join, switch, or drop Medicare prescription drug coverage.
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When can you enroll? One time during each of these periods:
• January–March
• April–June• July–September
If you make a change, it will take effect on the first day of the following month. You’ll have to wait for the next period to make another change. You can’t use this Special Enrollment Period from October–December. However, all people with Medicare can make changes to their coverage from October 15–December 7, and the changes will take effect on January 1.
YOU CHANGE WHERE YOU LIVE:
Moved to new address outside my plan’s service area
If you’re in a Medicare Advantage (MA) Plan and you move outside your plan’s service area, you can also choose to return to Original Medicare. If you don’t enroll in a new MA Plan during the time explained below, you’ll be enrolled in Original Medicare when you’re disenrolled from your old Medicare Advantage Plan.
If you tell your plan before you move, your chance to switch plans begins the month before the month you move and continues for 2 full months after you move.
If you tell your plan after you move, your chance to switch plans begins the month you tell your plan, plus 2 more full months.
