Medicare Advantage
(Part C) Eligibility and Enrollment
Ready to spring forward with Medicare Advantage (Part C)? Let’s get you enrolled.
How can I join a Medicare Advantage plan?
Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) offer both Part A and Part B coverage (also known as Original Medicare).1 This can include dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage, as well as no-cost extras.
To enroll, you must:
Be eligible for Medicare
Be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B (you can check this by referring to your red, white and blue Medicare card) and continue to pay your monthly Part B premium
Live within the plan’s service area (which is usually based on the county you live in–not the state)
Once you are enrolled, the private company supporting your Medicare plan will set up your benefits. You do not lose your Original Medicare.
When can I sign up?
If you are eligible for Medicare Advantage, you can enroll during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). This is from October 15 - December 7, each year.
If you are about to turn 65 years old, you can enroll in the Initial Enrollment Period. This period is 3 months before your birthday and 3 months after your birthday.
Can I switch Medicare Advantage plans?
You can make changes to your Medicare Advantage (MA) plan during the following periods every year:
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP):
From October 15 - December 7, you can leave your MA plan and switch to another MA plan or Original Medicare with the option of enrolling in a standalone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP). You can change plans as many times as you’d like up until the December 7 deadline. Your new coverage will start January 1 of the next year.
MA Open Enrollment Period:
From January 1 - March 31, you can leave your MA plan and switch to another MA plan or switch back to Original Medicare with the option of enrolling in a standalone PDP, if needed. You can only make one change to your MA plan during this period. Your new coverage will begin the first of the month after you make the switch.
If you need to change your MA plan outside of these standard periods, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you meet certain criteria, such as moving outside your plan's coverage area, retiring, and more. To confirm if you're eligible for an SEP, contact us.
1Not all Medicare Advantage Plans include Part D prescription coverage.
Let's Get Started
After you provide your contact information, an agent will contact you within 24 hours.