The issue of the Enrollment Periods needs to be expanded upon. Remember, the Center for Medicare and Medicare Services (CMS) has established four basic enrollment periods in which Medicare recipients with both Part A and Part B can enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan (MAP), Part C or a stant alone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP).Enrolling in Medicare Advantage Plans
Enrolling in Medicare Part C or Medicare Advantage Plan (MAP) is optional. If you want to enroll in a MAP, you must be entitled to both Part A and Part B.
Your Enrollment Periods
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) allows you to join a MAP three months before your birthday month, your birthday month, and three months after.
- the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) from October 15th to December 7th,
- the General Enrollment Period (GEP) from January 1st to March 31st
- and, the Special Election Period (SEP)
During the AEP beneficiaries may change their PDP, change their MAP, return to Original Medicare, or enroll in a MAP for the first time.
Re-enrollment and Dual Eligibility
During the GEP, if you didn't enroll in Part A or B during the IEP, or terminated your Part A or Part B benefits and want to re-enroll in either or both Parts, you may do so during this period. If you enroll during the GEP, your benefits will begin the following July 1st.
Finally, during the SEP if you have special needs, specifically diabetes or have Dual Eligibility (qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid) ,you can change your plan anytime during the year with no limit to the number of changes. This includes your prescription drug plan. This choice under the SEP is also available to those who move into, reside in, or move out of a nursing home.
If you have any questions regarding what plan would be best for you, call (773) 614-3201.
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