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What is the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)?
The first opportunity for most people to enroll in Medicare when they become eligible, usually around age 65.
How long is the Initial Enrollment Period?
Seven months.
When does the Initial Enrollment Period begin?
Three months before the month a person turns 65.
When does the Initial Enrollment Period end?
Three months after the month the person turns 65.
What Medicare parts can someone enroll in during the IEP?
Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Part D, if eligible.
What is the General Enrollment Period (GEP)?
A period for people who missed their Initial Enrollment Period and don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
When does the General Enrollment Period occur?
January 1 through March 31 each year.
When does coverage begin for someone who enrolls during the GEP?
The first day of the month after they enroll.
What is the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)?
The time when beneficiaries can change their Medicare health and prescription drug coverage.
When does the Annual Enrollment Period take place?
October 15 through December 7 each year.
When do changes made during AEP become effective?
January 1 of the following year.
What changes can be made during AEP?
Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage plan or a Part D prescription drug plan, or return to Original Medicare.
What is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP)?
A period allowing people already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan to make one plan change.
When is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?
January 1 through March 31 each year.
Who can use the MA OEP?
Only beneficiaries already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan as of January 1.
What changes are allowed during the MA OEP?
Switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare and add a Part D plan.
Can someone in Original Medicare enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during the MA OEP?
No. They must generally wait for another eligible enrollment period unless they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
What is a Special Enrollment Period (SEP)?
An enrollment period triggered by certain life events that allows beneficiaries to enroll or make changes outside the standard enrollment periods.
Name three events that may qualify someone for an SEP.
Moving outside a plan's service area, losing employer coverage, or becoming eligible for Medicaid or Extra Help.
How long does the Part B SEP usually last after employment or employer coverage ends?
Eight Months.
What is creditable prescription drug coverage?
Coverage that is expected to pay, on average, at least as much as Medicare's standard Part D coverage.
What may happen if someone delays Part B enrollment without qualifying coverage?
They may pay a permanent late enrollment penalty and experience a gap in coverage.
What may happen if someone delays Part D enrollment without creditable prescription drug coverage?
They may owe a late enrollment penalty for as long as they have Part D coverage.
What is the Five-Star Special Enrollment Period?
A one-time opportunity each year to switch to a Medicare plan with an overall 5-star quality rating if one is available in the beneficiary's area.
Why is it important to understand Medicare enrollment periods?
Missing an enrollment period can result in delayed coverage, late enrollment penalties, and fewer plan choices.