When is Mary's Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment

Mary's Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period is a crucial time for seniors to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan. This period typically starts on the first day of the month that is six months after the effective date of their Medicare Part B coverage.

For most people, this means the open enrollment period starts in the summer months, usually around May or June. However, this can vary depending on individual circumstances.

During this period, you can enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan without being subject to medical underwriting, which means your insurance company can't deny you coverage or charge you more because of any pre-existing conditions.

You can make changes to your Medicare plan between October 15 and December 7 each year. This is the only time when all people with Medicare can make changes to their health and prescription drug plans.

You can change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan, or switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another. You can also join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or switch from one plan to another.

If this caught your attention, see: Difference between Medicare Advantage Plan and Medicare Supplement

During this time, your new coverage will begin on January 1 if you switch to a new plan. If you stay with the same plan, any changes to coverage, benefits, or costs for the new year will begin on January 1.

If you're in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can make one change to a different plan or switch back to Original Medicare once during this time.

Your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period is a 7-month window around your 65th birthday. It starts three months before your birthday month and ends three months after.

During this time, you'll have guaranteed issue rights to any Medicare supplement you want. You won't need to pass medical underwriting, and the insurance carrier can't charge you higher premiums due to your health history.

Some states have their own rules around when you can enroll in a Medicare supplement without undergoing medical underwriting.

A different take: What Time Does Carter's Open?

Mary's Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment is a critical period for her to review and make changes to her Medicare plan. She can make changes to her health and prescription drug plans for the next year during this time.

To compare benefits and costs, Mary can visit Medicare's website in October. This is the one time of year when all people with Medicare can make changes to their plans.

Medicare plan options include Medicare Advantage Plans, which offer different benefits and costs than Original Medicare. Mary can switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another, or back to Original Medicare, during the enrollment period.

Here are the dates to keep in mind:

Most people don't pay a premium for Medicare Part A, but there is a premium for Part B and Part D. If you sign up for Medicare Advantage, you'll pay the Medicare Part B premium along with any premium your Medicare Advantage plan charges.

The nation-wide average Medicare Advantage premium for 2024 is $18.40, and about 75% of Medicare Advantage plans have a $0 premium. This means you might not have to pay any extra money for your plan.

Medicare Advantage beneficiaries spend, on average, $2,541 less on out-of-pocket costs and premiums annually compared to people enrolled in Original Medicare.

A unique perspective: Can I Change from Medicare Advantage to Medicare Supplement

If you're looking to switch to a Medicare Advantage Plan, the best time to do so is between October 15 and December 7. This is the only time of year when you can make changes to your health and prescription drug plans for the next year.

You can change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan, switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another, or drop your Medicare prescription drug coverage completely during this time. You can also join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or switch from one Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to another.

If you stay with the same plan, any changes to coverage, benefits, or costs for the new year will begin on January 1. Your new coverage will begin if you switch to a new plan on January 1.

There's a specific time frame for buying a Medigap policy, which is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This period starts on the first day of the month in which you turn 65 or older and have enrolled in Part B.

For your interest: Do You Have to Renew Medicare Supplement Every Year

Here are some key dates to keep in mind:

Mary's Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment is a 7-month window around her 65th birthday, starting three months before and ending three months after. This period gives her guaranteed issue rights to any Medicare supplement she wants.

During this time, Mary will be able to enroll in Parts A and B of Original Medicare and any other Medicare-related plans such as a Medicare supplement. She'll have the freedom to choose any of the ten plans and any insurance company she wants.

Mary won't need to pass medical underwriting during this time, and the insurance carrier can't charge her higher premiums due to her health history. This is a huge relief, as it means she can enroll in a Medicare supplement without worrying about her pre-existing conditions.

There are other times when Mary will have guaranteed issue rights, but with some limitations. For example, if she chooses to enroll in Medicare Advantage (Part C), she will have a Trial Right for her first year of enrollment. This means that if she decides to switch to a Medicare supplement within that first year, she'll have guaranteed issue rights.

Consider reading: Which Statement Is True of Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans

Some states have their own rules around when Mary can enroll in a Medicare supplement without undergoing medical underwriting. These state-specific Medicare Open Enrollments are worth exploring, as they may provide additional opportunities for Mary to enroll in a Medicare supplement without medical underwriting.

Here are some key dates to keep in mind:

I hope this information helps Mary understand her Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment options!