Open Enrollment Period (October 15 Through December 7)
Medicare enrollment periods don't apply to Medigap policies or Medicare Cost plans, as these plans follow different rules. To learn more about changing Medigap plans, read When You Can Enroll In or Change Medigap Policies.
The Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is October 15 through December 7 each year.
During the OEP, you can:
Enroll in or disenroll from a Medicare Advantage (MA), Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD), or stand-alone Prescription Drug plan (PDP)
Change your MA/MAPD plan or PDP
Return to Original Medicare
If your plan is changing next year, your insurance carrier will notify you with enough time for you to switch plans, should you choose to do so. Sometimes plans are discontinued. Be sure to read all of your insurance carrier's communications for changes to your current coverage.
Elections made during this time take effect January 1 of the following year.
You can make as many changes as you like during the OEP to your MA, MAPD, or PDP, but the last election you make during this period is the plan that will begin January 1.
No action is required during the OEP if you‘re satisfied with your current coverage. Your plan automatically renews unless it is being discontinued.
Note: To disenroll from an MA/MAPD plan or a PDP, contact your insurance carrier directly. If you do this, the plan will end on December 31. You can contact Via Benefits for assistance in calling the carrier. Read When You Can Enroll In or Change Medicare Plans for more information.
Consider Whether You Need to Call Us During Open Enrollment
Please call us at 1-866-322-2824 (TTY: 711) or shop on the website if any of the following reasons to call Via Benefits apply to you, and you are considering changing your plan:
Significant change in health status.
Significant increase in premiums.
Your out-of-pocket costs have increased for your current medications.
You've moved to a new state or ZIP Code.
Your plan has been canceled.
Your primary care physician is no longer included in your plan's network.
MA/MAPD plans and PDPs often change from one year to the next. Even if you've been satisfied with your plan, and you don't expect to change it, it may be a good idea to sign in to Via Benefits and ensure you're still in the right plan for your evolving needs.