Timeline for Medicare Open Enrollment Period 2022

 If you want to update your Medicare insurance plan, the annual enrollment period (AEP) is the right time to do so. Although you can't change your coverage during the fall enrollment period, it gives you a lot of flexibility with the changes you can make. The Medicare Open Enrollment Period for 2022 is fast approaching, an important time for both your patients and your pharmacy. Every year, this period runs from October 15 to December 7. This gives patients much less time to reevaluate their insurance.

With the Medicare AEP 2022 just around the corner, this guide will explain all important dates, guidelines, and more.

When does the Medicare AEP 2022 begin?

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), also known as the Medicare Annual Election Period and the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, is a typical fall enrollment period from October 15 to December 7. During Medicare's Open Enrollment Period or OEP, you can make certain changes to your health insurance coverage, including adding, dropping, or changing your Medicare Advantage and Part D coverage. All plan and benefit changes become effective from January 1 of the following year.

Each year on October 1 -- two weeks before Medicare Open Enrollment begins -- health insurance companies release information about their plan benefits for the following year. These can include premium changes, prescription drug coverage updates, and more. This is a good time for Medicare beneficiaries to consider whether their plan will cover their needs next year as well. If not, they may look for a better option during the AEP.

The Medicare AEP 2022 will start on October 15 and end on December 7. During this time period, you can take the following actions:

Sign Up for a Medicare Plan.

Switch a Plan from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Switch a Plan from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare.

Get a Different Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.

Get a Different Medicare Advantage Plan.

All the changes you make during this period will take effect on January 1, 2023. After December 7, you will not be able to make new changes to your Medicare coverage for 2023.

Key Medicare AEP Dates

October 15 – December 7, 2022: Medicare Time Period

January 1, 2023: When Changes Will Come into Effect

January 1 to March 31, 2023: If you’re yet to enroll in Original Medicare, you'll have to wait for the General Enrollment Period. During this time, you can get into Part A and/or Part B as per your eligibility.

July 1, 2023: Your coverage for Original Medicare during the General Enrollment Period will start on July 1, 2022.

If your age is 65 or you're about to turn 65 and have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, end-stage renal disease, or you qualify for disability, you can enroll in Medicare. For eligibility, you need to be a US citizen or legal, permanent resident of the country for a minimum of five years.

To obtain Medicare coverage, you must remember the deadline for the AEP. If you've any doubts, you can speak to leading primary care providers who can help you determine your eligibility for Medicare OEP.

FAQs

What happens if you do nothing for Medicare open enrollment?

If you’re satisfied and happy with your current insurance coverage under Medicare, you don’t have to do anything during the Medicare AEP. As a result, your coverage under traditional Medicare continues next year.

Do you have to enroll in every year for Medicare?

Generally, once you’re enrolled, you don’t have to do anything to renew your coverage annually. This applies to all plans - Original Medicare, a Medicare Advantage plan, or a Medicare prescription drug plan.

Can I switch from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare?

Yes. You can switch from the Medicare Advantage plan to traditional Medicare during the Medicare OEP. you should contact your current plan to cancel your enrollment and call 352-688-8116.