The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is the time each year when you can make changes to your Medicare Advantage plan and prescription drug plan coverage. If you are happy with your current coverage, you do not need to do anything during AEP, but it’s still a good idea to look at your options. Be sure to keep a lookout for the Annual Notice of Change letter from your Medicare Advantage plan or Prescription Drug Plan carrier.  Your plan will automatically renew for the next year as long as it’s still offered (and your premiums are paid).  You will still want to verify your prescriptions and doctors are covered and in-network with your current plan before the end of AEP in case you need to find a new plan that better serves your unique needs.  If you’re not satisfied or if your needs have changed, this is the time to make a change. Here’s what you need to know about the Annual Enrollment Period for 2024.

What is the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for Medicare 2024 and when does it start/end?

Annual Enrollment Period from October 15th to December 7th each year and allows Medicare beneficiaries to enroll into a new Medicare Advantage plan or Prescription Drug plan for the following year.

During this time, you can: 

• Join a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) 
• Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another, or go back to original Medicare 
• Sign up for a Part D prescription drug plan 
• Switch from one Part D prescription drug plan to another 
• Drop your Part D prescription drug coverage altogether 

If you’re satisfied with your current coverage, there’s no need to do anything during AEP. Your coverage will automatically renew itself for the upcoming year.

But if you’re not happy with your current situation—maybe your needs have changed or you’re dissatisfied with your current provider—now is the time to make a change. Keep in mind that if you wait until after AEP has ended you  have to wait for another enrollment period, which may not be until October 15th of the following year, depending on your circumstance. You may also have trouble finding coverage that meets your needs.

Who needs to enroll in Medicare during Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) period 2024 and why is it important to do so?

Why is it important to enroll during the AEP? Because this might be the only time of year when you can make changes to your coverage. If you wait until after the AEP has ended, you may have to wait until next year to make any changes. Medicare Advantage plan enrollees can make one plan change after AEP, from 1/1-3/31.  This is called the Open Enrollment Period, and it’s like a safety net in case an error was made during AEP with enrollment.

Who Can Enroll in Medicare?

Most people become eligible for Medicare Part A when they turn 65. But there are other times when you might qualify for Medicare, even if you’re younger than 65. For example, if you have a disability or end-stage renal disease, you might be eligible for Medicare before you turn 65. 

People who already have health insurance through their job or a family member’s job might not need to enroll in Medicare Part B. In some cases, you can get extra help paying your monthly premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. You might also be able to get help with prescription drug costs. 

How can people enroll in Original Medicare Parts A and B during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for 2024 and what are the options available to them?

There are four ways that people can enroll in Original Medicare Parts A and B: 

1. Online 
2. By calling the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) 
3. By visiting their local Social Security office 
4. Through a professional insurance agent or broker 

Option 1: Online 

People can visit www.Medicare.gov to enroll in Medicare online. They will need to create an account and fill out an application. Once the application is complete, CMS will automatically enroll them in Original Medicare (Parts A & B). If they want prescription drug coverage (Part D), they will need to select a plan during the enrollment process. 

Option 2: By calling CMS 

People can call CMS at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to speak with a customer service representative who will help them enroll in Medicare over the phone. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can call 711 for relay services. Representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Option 3: Visiting their local Social Security office 

People can visit their local Social Security office to sign up for Medicare in person. They will need to bring certain documents, like their birth certificate or passport, proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, and proof of identity. Once they have everything they need, a Social Security representative can help them sign up for Parts A & B and Part D, if they want it.  

Option 4: Through a professional insurance agent or broker 

Some people might find it helpful to work with a professional insurance agent or broker when signing up for Medicare coverage because they can offer guidance about which parts of Medicare people should enroll in and what kind of insurance coverage might be right for them based on their budget and health care needs—and help them enroll in the plans of their choice. To find an agent or broker in their area, people may visit www.medicareoptionsbystate/searchlocally/. Professional insurance agents and brokers get paid by commissions from the insurance companies whose plans they sell—not by CMS, Medicare, or any other government agencies—so their services should be free of charge to enrollees. There is no obligation to enroll in a plan.

What Are My Options for Coverage? 

There are two main types of Medicare plans: Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan and Medicare Advantage Plans.

Original Medicare is a fee-for-service plan that includes Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). You can use any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare patients.  Original Medicare covers roughly 80% of your hospital and medical costs, with no cap to financial exposure.  This is why people also get a Medicare Supplement insurance plan, which has an additional monthly premium, to help cover the other roughly 20% of hospital and medical costs and cap financial exposure.  You can also buy a Part D plan to help pay for prescription drugs since Original Medicare Parts A and B does not cover prescription drugs.

Or, you can choose a Medicare Advantage Plan, also called Medicare Part C. These plans include at a minimum Medicare Parts A and B, and usually also include Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plan benefits. They’re offered by private companies that contract with Medicare.

What are some of the changes that will be taking place with Medicare during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for 2024 and what should people expect as a result of these changes?

Many medicare advantage plans are making updates to the way they allocate their benefits for 2024. Medicare Beneficiaries will want to see if carriers have released new plan options.

Are there any special circumstances that would allow someone to enroll in Medicare outside of the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for 2024, and if so, what are they?

But what if you miss the AEP? Are there any special circumstances that would allow you to enroll in Medicare outside of this period? The answer is yes – there are several special circumstances that may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). 

Special Enrollment Periods

If you experience a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), you may be eligible to enroll in Medicare outside of the AEP. Examples of circumstances include moving to a new state, losing other health coverage, or having a low income subsidy.

To find out if your circumstance qualifies you for a SEP, you may contact a licensed insurance agent or review information available on www.medicare.gov.

Low Income Subsidy (LIS)

If you are eligible for Medicare as well as LIS you are able to shop your Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug plan once per quarter during the first three quarters of the calendar year. Many LIS clients are on a fixed income and need to save money wherever possible. Having LIS may also open up additional options for coverage and potentially offset some or all of the premium associated with a Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug plan.

Mistakenly Dropped from Medicare Advantage Plan or Prescription Drug Plan

If you’re mistakenly dropped from your Medicare Advantage Plan or Prescription Drug Plan, or if your plan is discontinued and you’re forced to switch to Original Medicare, you may be eligible for a SEP. You typically have around 60 days prior to and around 63 days after the date you receive notice of the discontinuation to enroll in a new plan. 

How can people get more information about Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) 2024 and what resources are available to them?

There are many resources available to help people understand their options and make the best choices for their health care needs.

Here are just a few:

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website is a great place to start. CMS offers a lot of general information about enrollment periods, what’s new for each plan year, and ways to compare plans. You can also find contact information for your state’s health insurance assistance program (SHIP). 

If you have a specific question about your coverage or need help enrolling in a plan, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. Representatives are available 24 hours a day/7 days a week. 

 You can also get free, unbiased Medicare counseling from your state’s SHIP. SHIPs are staffed with trained volunteers and counselors who give one-on-one help and group presentations. Find your state’s SHIP at www.shiptacenter.org or by calling 1-877-839‑2675 .

Our team of licensed sales agents specialize in Medicare products and services, so they can answer any questions you have about enrollment or coverage changes that might impact you during AEP. They may even be able to recommend other options that could save you money or provide better coverage based on your unique circumstances. Call 1-833-859‑6040 toll free to speak with an ExpertCare team member today*.  

Frequently Asked Questions about Annual Enrollment Periods

How do I sign up for AEP?

You don’t necessarily sign up for AEP.However you can reach out to an agent or go to the local ship program and shop your MAPD/MA/and or PDP option for January 1st.

How can I get extra help with social security or medicaid through the state?

You can apply for Extra Help online at www.ssa.gov/extrahelp

Go in person to Social Security

Or call 800-772-1213 

Medicaid will vary by state. Here is the link for your Medicaid information per state: https://www.medicaid.gov/about-us/beneficiary-resources/index.html#statemenu

Apollo Fights to Find the Right Plan for You

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for Medicare is coming up soon. This is the time of year when you can review your current Medicare Advantage plan and Prescription Drug plan coverage and make changes to your plan, if necessary. If you’re not sure what to do during this annual enrollment period or are looking for help choosing a plan, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! Apollo has been helping Medicare beneficiaries find the right Medicare Advantage plans and Prescription Drug Plans for over 12 years, and our team of licensed insurance agents are more than happy to assist you in finding the right coverage for your needs. Give us a call today and let us help you navigate through this annual enrollment period, so that you can rest easy knowing that your health care is taken care of.

Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S Government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed insurance agent/producer may contact you. Apollo Insurance Group represents Medicare Advantage (HMO, PPO, PFFS, and PDP) organizations with a Medicare contract and/or a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare.