At MC Golden Insurance, we know that making decisions about your health and your future is not an easy task. That’s why we guide you with clear and personalized advice so you can make the most of every opportunity offered by Medicare enrollment. Our commitment is to give you peace of mind by helping you choose a plan that truly fits your needs, protecting both your well-being and your family’s finances.
Every year, Medicare has a key period during which those who are already enrolled can review and change their plans, or sign up if they haven’t done so yet. This is called the Open Enrollment Period. Understanding this timeframe can help you save money, avoid surprises, and ensure that your health coverage is the most suitable for your needs.
When is open enrollment and what can you do?
- The Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7.
- During this time, you can:
- Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage).
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan, or vice versa.
- Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan if you have Original Medicare.
- Any changes made during this period take effect on January 1 of the following year, provided your request is submitted before December 7.
Who can use this period?
- Any beneficiary who is already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan or has Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) may make changes during the Open Enrollment Period.
Can you enroll in medicare advantage at other times of the year?
- Yes. From January 1 to March 31, beneficiaries who are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan may switch to another Advantage Plan or return to Original Medicare.
Initial Enrollment Period
- If you are about to turn 65, you have an Initial Enrollment Period that begins 3 months before your birthday, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after.
- During this time, you can enroll in Part A (hospital coverage, if you have earned 40 work credits) and Part B (medical services). Keep in mind that if you delay enrolling in Part B, you may have to pay penalties.
Special enrollment period:
Throughout the year, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) that allows you to enroll in or make changes to your Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D drug coverage if you experience certain life events.
Moving outside your current plan’s service area, losing or becoming eligible for Medicaid, losing employer coverage, or gaining or losing Extra Help with prescription drug costs are some of the events that qualify you to use a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
Practical tips to make the most of medicare open enrollment
- Take inventory of your medical needs: prescriptions you take, doctors you see, hospitals you prefer, etc. This will help you compare plans more effectively.
- Look at total costs, not just the monthly premium—consider deductibles, copayments, provider networks, and covered pharmacies.
- Confirm whether your doctors and pharmacies are included in the network of the plan you’re considering.
- If you already have a Medicare Advantage Plan, review this year’s updates in benefits, costs, or provider networks—what worked for you last year may not be the best fit this year.
- Speak with a licensed MC Golden Insurance agent to clarify your questions and receive professional guidance.
The Medicare Open Enrollment Period is the ideal time to adjust your coverage to what you truly need, switch to a better plan if available, or fix what no longer works for you. At MC Golden Insurance, we support you in evaluating your options and making sure your coverage is right for you and your family—without surprises or unnecessary costs. We’re here whenever you need us!