Is your current Medicare coverage still the right fit?
Whether your Medicare plan no longer fits your health care needs or budget, or you would like to access more benefits, our team can help. Speak with an advisor to get started.
If you are already on Medicare, one of the most important things you can do is compare your coverage to new plan options. Let our team do the research for you. There are several important enrollment periods to keep in mind.
"I was so nervous about changing my insurance. RetireMed was so helpful....so smooth!!!" - Melanie G.
Open Enrollment Period
Medicare's Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is exclusively for individuals enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. During OEP, which occurs Jan. 1 - March 31, anyone on a Medicare Advantage plan can enroll in a different Medicare Advantage plan or disenroll from their current plan and return to Original Medicare (Part A and B). Individuals can only make one change to their plan during OEP. If a plan change is made, the new plan will go into effect on the first of the following month.
Annual Enrollment Period
Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) happens every year from Oct. 15 until Dec. 7. AEP gives people who already have Medicare the opportunity to switch to a new plan or make changes to their existing plan. Those changes take effect Jan. 1 of the coming year. It’s important to know that the AEP is an opportunity, not an obligation.
Special Enrollment Periods
When certain life events happen, Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) allow you to make changes to your medical or prescription drug coverage. Some examples of qualifying life events are moving to a different location or losing other insurance coverage. If you would like to know more about SEPs, please reach out to us.
5-Star Special Enrollment Period
This SEP allows individuals to switch to a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plan with a 5-Star quality rating at any time during the year. A 5-Star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) means “excellent performance” and is the highest rating a plan can receive.
If You Only Have Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
Parts A and B are considered “Original Medicare.” Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital-related services, while Part B is medical insurance. Original Medicare pays for much, but not all of the cost for covered health care services and supplies. Original Medicare does not have a cap on your out-of-pocket spending. If you only have Original Medicare, you could be missing out on extra benefits and a safety net that caps your annual costs.
Many individuals decide to enroll in a Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) or Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan to provide extra benefits and fill in the gaps that are not covered by Original Medicare. Our advisors can explain all your options and when you can make changes to your current Medicare coverage.
If You’re a Veteran
Our local advisors will review all your options and help you decide if pairing a Medicare Advantage plan with your TRICARE For Life or Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits is the right fit. Learn more about better flexibility, benefits, and choices here.
Do you have to review your Medicare Plan annually?
No. If you are satisfied with your current Medicare plan, it will renew automatically. If you want to explore your options, contact us.
Gain Medicare Clarity in Minutes
RetireMed helps you find the right plan for your unique needs, budget, and lifestyle. We work with most major insurance companies to make sure you have access to a wide range of reliable coverage options. Plus, you’ll have an advocate for life – all at no cost or obligation. We'll discuss your unique situation, explore your current options, and answer any questions you may have.