Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA-OEP)
Effective 2019, for the first 3 months of the calendar year there is a continuous open enrollment and disenrollment period relating to Medicare Advantage (MA) plans called the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, or MA-OEP. This opportunity is only available to individuals who are enrolled in an MA plan as of the first of the year. During this 3-month period an individual enrolled in an MA plan as of January 1st can make a one-time change to another MA plan, or they can elect traditional Medicare, including the option to pick up coverage under Part D. Note that there is not a corresponding right for people in stand-alone Part D prescription drug plans (PDPs) to make changes during this time period.
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)
As discussed in previous Alerts, many people experienced problems with the revamped Medicare Plan Finder during last year’s annual enrollment period. While CMS continues to downplay such problems, affected individuals may have a right to a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for special circumstances. As noted on Medicare.gov website here:
Note: If you believe you made the wrong plan choice because of inaccurate or misleading information, including using Plan Finder, call 1-800-MEDICARE and explain your situation. Call center representatives can help you throughout the year with options for making changes.
March 12, 2020 – D. Lipschutz