Important Medicare Dates

By Lois Thomson

Several important dates are associated with Medicare enrollment and follow-up. Make a note so you can keep track:

• September and October – the time to review and compare plans. Carefully look over any notices you receive from your plan about changes for the coming year. Compare available plans to see what best meets your needs.

• October 15 – Open Enrollment begins. The fall Medicare Open Enrollment Period is the one time every year when most Medicare beneficiaries are allowed to make changes to their health and drug plans for the next year. October 15 is the first day you can change your Medicare coverage for the next year during open enrollment.

• December 7 – Open Enrollment ends. December 7 is the last day of the open enrollment period, so you need to make your decision in time to meet that deadline.

• January 1 – Coverage begins. If you switch to a new plan, the new coverage begins January 1. Likewise, if you remain with the same plan, any changes for the new year also will begin January 1.

• January 1 – March 31 – Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. Between January 1 and March 31, a Medicare Advantage Plan member can leave that plan and switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan, with or without drug coverage, or to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).