2025 Open Enrollment Changes

Open Enrollment Period (OEP):
  1. Dates: The Medicare Open Enrollment Period occurs annually from January 1st to March 31st. It allows beneficiaries who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan to make certain changes to their coverage.
  2. Changes Allowed: During OEP, beneficiaries can:
      • Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
      • Return to Original Medicare and add a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.

    3.Coverage Effective Date: Changes made during OEP generally take effect on the first day of the month following the month you make the change. For example, if you make a change in February, your new coverage will typically start on March 1st.

Key Differences AEP / OEP:
    1. Scope of Changes: AEP offers more flexibility, allowing beneficiaries to make a broader range of changes, including switching between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. OEP is more focused, primarily enabling changes within the Medicare Advantage landscape.
    2. Timing: AEP occurs in the fall, while OEP occurs in the early months of the year. This timing is crucial for planning as changes made during AEP become effective on January 1st, whereas OEP changes typically take effect later.
    3. Eligibility: All Medicare beneficiaries can participate in AEP, whereas OEP is specifically for individuals already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. If you have Original Medicare with a standalone Part D plan, AEP is more relevant to you.
    4. Frequency: AEP happens yearly like clockwork, providing an annual opportunity to reevaluate your Medicare coverage. OEP is less known and utilized, as it only applies to a subset of beneficiaries. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About AEP & OEPAnnual Enrollment Period (AEP) 
  1. What is the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)?
    • AEP is the annual period from October 15th to December 7th, when Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their Medicare coverage for the following year.
    2. What changes can I make during AEP?
    • During AEP, you can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, return to Original Medicare, or enroll in or switch Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.
  4. 3. When do changes made during AEP take effect?
    • Changes made during AEP become effective on January 1st of the following year.
    • 4. Can I enroll in Medicare for the first time during AEP?
        • AEP is primarily for beneficiaries who are already enrolled in Medicare. If you’re new to Medicare, you generally have an Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) based on your 65th birthday.
      Open Enrollment Period (OEP) 
      1. What is the Open Enrollment Period (OEP)?
        • OEP takes place annually from January 1st to March 31st and allows Medicare beneficiaries already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan to make certain changes to their coverage.
      2. What changes can I make during OEP?
        • During OEP, you can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another or return to Original Medicare and add a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
      3. When do changes made during OEP take effect?
        • Changes made during OEP generally take effect on the first day of the month following the month you make the change. For example, changes made in February typically take effect on March 1st.
      4. Can I switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan during OEP?
        • No, you generally cannot switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan during OEP. AEP is the appropriate period for such changes.
      General 
      1. Can I make changes to my Medicare coverage outside of AEP and OEP?
        • Yes, Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) allow for changes in certain circumstances, such as moving to a new area, losing other coverage, or qualifying for Medicaid.
      2. What happens if I miss the AEP or OEP deadlines?
        • Missing these enrollment periods may limit your options for changing your Medicare coverage. You might have to wait until the next AEP or OEP, or you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
      3. Should I review my Medicare coverage every year, even if I’m satisfied with it?
        • Yes, it’s a good practice to review your coverage annually. Your healthcare needs may change, and insurance plans can also change their benefits and costs yearly.