There are four enrollment periods for Medicare.
1) Initial Enrollment Period – begins 3 months before your 65th birthday and ends 3 months after the month that you turn 65.
2) Annual Enrollment Period – begins October 15 and ends December 7 each year.
3) Open Enrollment Period – allows you to make a one-time change to your Medicare Advantage Plan from January 1 through March 31
4) Special Enrollment Periods – are available under certain circumstances throughout the year, such as moving out of your existing plan’s service area or retiring from a job that previously provided your benefits.

Medicare Advantage plan offer both Medicare Parts A and B coverage. They may also offer additional benefits like prescription drug coverage, dental, and vision coverage. With Medicare Advantage you will have copays, deductibles, and premiums. Medicare Supplement, or Medigap, is additional insurance that fills the gaps in Original Medicare to help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

While both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement are sold through private insurance companies, they cannot be used together. Our agents can help you determine which plan type is best suited for your needs and budget.

Prescription costs vary based on each plan’s formulary. We can review your plan to determine if you have the most cost-effective plan for your needs. Additionally, there are a variety of programs that can help reduce your out-of-pocket drug expenses. We would be happy to meet with you to discuss what options are available and best for you.

There are a handful of situations that allow you to delay Medicare Part B penalty-free, like having group health plan coverage through an employer or spouse’s employer, or having TRICARE and being an active duty service member.