Available Oct.15 – Dec. 7
Printable PDF Guide
1. To see every plan available in your area, click the red button above to go to Medicare.gov.
2. Under “Find health & drug plans”, click “Find Plans Now.”
4. Any plan you sign up for during AEP will start January 1st.
5. BEWARE: After you have signed up for a Part D plan, you may get a call from the insurance company trying to sell you on giving up Original Medicare and the Part D plan you picked for a Medicare Advantage plan (which is much more profitable for them).
You can change your Part D plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. Any changes you make will take effect on January 1 of the following year. In some cases, you may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) – for example, if you move to a new area or lose other prescription drug coverage.
Things to consider when switching plans:
Most importantly, focus on the total estimated annual cost – often, the plan with the lowest overall cost will be the best choice.
If you’re happy with your current coverage and haven’t been notified that your plan is ending, you don’t need to do anything. Your plan will automatically renew for the coming year based on the new Summary of Benefits. You’ll also receive an Annual Notice of Change that highlights any updates to your plan.
To switch, just enroll in a new Part D plan during your enrollment window. Once your new coverage begins, you’ll automatically be disenrolled from your current plan. You can compare options and enroll through Medicare.gov or by contacting the plan provider directly.
Before switching, review the new plan’s formulary and pharmacy network to make sure your medications will still be covered at a price that works for you.
If you don’t make a change during the Annual Enrollment Period, you’ll automatically stay enrolled in your current plan for the following year. Be sure to review your plan’s updates to confirm it will continue to meet your needs.
We’d love to be able to offer this, but unfortunately it just isn’t economically feasible. The Medicare.gov website is clear and easy to use for our clients.
Yes. If your current Part D plan stops covering your medications or raises your costs significantly, you can switch to a different plan during the Annual Enrollment Period. You also have the option to request a formulary exception with your current plan.
Yes, you can switch from a standalone Part D plan to a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan during the Annual Enrollment Period. When you enroll in an MAPD plan, your standalone Part D coverage will be automatically canceled.
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