How to Sign up for a Medicare Advantage Plan
November 5, 2019 | Todd Lewison
Are you wanting to switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan? Or are you wanting to switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan? We’ve rounded up a list of steps on how to sign up for a Medicare Advantage Plan.
How to Sign Up for a Medicare Advantage Plan
If you do not currently have a Medicare plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan, there are two times you can sign up for a Medicare Advantage Plan during the year.
- If you do not currently have a Medicare plan and want to sign up for a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can sign up during the Annual Election Period (October 15 – December 7).
- If you currently have a Advantage Plan and want to change to another Advantage plan, you can do so during the Annual Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period which starts on January 1 and ends on March 31 each year.
How to Switch to a Medicare Advantage Plan
If you are already in a Medicare Advantage Plan and you want to switch to a new Medicare Advantage Plan, you can sign up for the plan you want during the Annual Election Period. During the Annual Election Period (AEP), people with Medicare can change their prescription drug coverage and Medicare health plans for the following year.
If you currently have other coverage, talk to your union, employer or other benefits administrator about their rules before you join a Medicare Advantage Plan. In some cases, you might be able to use your union or employer coverage along with the Medicare Advantage Plan that you join.
Do I Need to Sign up for Medicare Each Year?
Once you have Medicare, you aren’t required to sign up for Medicare each year. However, during the Annual Election Period (AEP), you will have the opportunity to change plans or review your current coverage. The annual Election Period runs October 15 to December 7.
The knowledgeable Medicare agents at Twin City Underwriters can help guide you through the process of signing up for a Medicare Advantage Plan or switching from one plan to another. At Twin City Underwriters, we offer Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplements (Medigap), Medicare drug coverage, and more! Contact us today to get started.
References:
https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/joining-a-health-or-drug-plan