Can I switch Medicare plans during the year?
Many Medicare beneficiaries believe that they must wait until the Annual Enrollment Period, which goes from October 15 through December 7 of each year, in order to make a change to their Medicare plan. However, that’s not the only time Medicare beneficiaries are able to make changes to their coverage. The following changes can be made any time during the year:
- Change from one Medicare Supplement plan to another
People with Medicare Supplement plans are allowed to make changes from one Medicare Supplement plan to another Medicare Supplement plan any time during the year. The only potential issue is that the new plan you’re wanting to join will ask you health questions during the application. If you answer “yes” to any one of the application’s health questions, you’ll most likely be denied that coverage and so you’ll need to stay on your current Medicare Supplement. However, if you don’t have any major medical conditions, chances are you’ll be able to change Medicare Supplements.
- Change from a Medicare Supplement plan to a Medicare Advantage plan
Normally, people are only allowed to change from a Medicare Supplement plan to a Medicare Advantage plan during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, which goes from October 15 until December 7 of each year. However, in Dane and surrounding counties we’re very fortunate to have three 5-Star rated Medicare Advantage plans available. When there’s a 5-Star Medicare Advantage plan available, Medicare beneficiaries can use the 5-Star Special Enrollment Period, which is a once per year opportunity to enroll in a 5-Star Medicare Advantage plan outside of the Annual Enrollment Period.
If you have any questions about making a change to your coverage during the year, give us a call at 608-210-2500 and we’ll be happy to help!