With the Annual Election Period (AEP) just around the corner, it’s time to review your Medicare coverage options for 2013. During the Annual Election Period (also known as Open Enrollment) from Oct 15 – Dec 7, Medicare beneficiaries can change Medicare Advantage and/or Part D prescription drug plans, or return to Original Medicare. A good place to start in this process is our webpage on the AEP. Here we provide an overview of what the AEP is, what your options are during the AEP, where to get good information on your local plans, a list of the Part D prescription drug benchmark plans for 2013 for people with low-incomes, and other time periods where you can switch plans is you miss your window during the AEP. See our page on AEP/open enrollment for more info.
In addition, below are some important dates to remember:
Sep 16-30 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid mails Medicare & You handbook Sep 30 Plans send Annual Notice of Coverage/Evidence of Coverage Oct 1 Marketing of Medicare Advantage and Part D plans may begin Oct 2 Beneficiaries of non-renewing plans must receive notice Oct 11 Plan ratings go “live” on Medicare.gov Oct 15–Dec 7 Annual Election Period (Open Enrollment) Dec 8-Feb 28 Special Election Period for beneficiaries in non-renewing plans Dec 8-Nov 30 Special Election for 5-star plans Jan 1-Feb 14 Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period Jan 1-Mar 31 General Enrollment Period (Medicare Parts A & B)
