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 Medicare Health Plan Enrollment Periods for 2011- 2012
When Can I Join, Switch, or Drop a Medicare Advantage Plan?

You can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan at these times:

Initial Coverage Election Period (ICEP):Three months before, the month during, and three months after, you turn 65 years old. The Initial Election Period is when you first become eligible for Medicare (3 months before you turn age 65 to 3 months after the month you turn age 65). If you get Medicare due to a disability, you can join during the 3 months before to 3 months after your 25th month of disability. During this time, you may enroll in Medicare Part A & B. In addition for Parts A & B, you may also enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, Part D prescription drug plan, or apply for a Medicare Supplemental Insurance plan (Medigap). Medicare Part D is voluntary, but you may get a penalty for not enrolling when you first have the opportunity to do so. Medicare Advantage plans and Medigap plans are optional, and there are no penalties for enrolling in either plan at a later time.

Open Enrollment Period (OEP): There will be no Open Enrollment Period after 2010

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): Between October 15, 2011- December 7, 2010. This is the time to make any changes to your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan or Medicare Advantage Plan. Any changes will be effective on January 1, 2012.

New Disenrollment Period: Between January 1, 2011 and February 14, 2011. During this period, you can switch back to Original Medicare, and also choose a stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. You may also choose to apply for a Medigap supplemental insurance policy. Your new coverage will go into effect the first of the following month after your change.

Be aware, however, that there are Special Enrollment Periods (SEP) that will provide you the opportunity to make changes during this, period as well as anytime during the year.
Examples might be, but are not limited to:

•You move out of your current plans territory of coverage.
•You have recently ended group or retiree health care benefits.
•You recently became eligible for Medicare, and are within the normal Initial Coverage Election Period (IECP).
•You have both Medicare and Medicaid.
•You qualify for “extra help”.
•You live in an institution.

If you have any questions as to your situation and enrollment rights, click here or click below for information from CMS.

(Read the entire "You & Medicare 2011" publication by clicking here)
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