Medicare Open Enrollment for 2022
Medicare open enrollment – also known as Medicare’s annual election period – runs from October 15 – December 7. During this annual window, you can enroll in Medicare health and drug plans.
New to Medicare? Call (912) 660-5236 to speak with a licensed independent insurance agent.
If you are currently eligible for Medicare or are nearing the age of Medicare eligibility, it’s vital to understand the Medicare enrollment dates. Signing up as soon as you are eligible can help avoid a costly late enrollment penalty.
Medicare Annual Election Period
From October 15 – December 7 this year, you can join, switch, or drop a plan. Your coverage will begin on January 1, 2022 (as long as you get your request in by December 7).
During this fall open enrollment period, you can reevaluate your coverage – whether it’s Original Medicare with supplemental drug coverage or Medicare Advantage – and make changes or purchase new policies. This is the only time to pick a new Medicare Advantage or Part D plan in most cases. If you have Medicare Advantage, you can also switch to Original Medicare. To get drug coverage, you should also join a Part D plan.
The annual Medicare open enrollment period does not apply to Medigap plans.
If you apply for Medigap coverage during this time, there’s no guarantee that an insurance company will sell you a Medigap policy if you don’t meet the medical underwriting requirements.
Medicare General Enrollment Period
If you didn’t enroll in Medicare when you were first eligible, you cannot use the annual election period to enroll. Instead, you’ll use the Medicare general enrollment period from January 1 – March 31.
Medicare’s general enrollment period is for people who didn’t sign up for Medicare Part B when they were first eligible and don’t have access to a Medicare Part B special enrollment period. It’s also for people who have to pay a premium for Medicare Part A and didn’t enroll in Part A when they were first eligible.
If you enroll during the general enrollment period, your coverage will take effect July 1.
Speak With a Licensed Independent Insurance Agent Today
If you want to enroll in Medicare or switch to a different plan, you don’t want to miss these enrollment periods. Medicare’s annual election period is fast approaching – call me or go online to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation appointment.
As your licensed independent insurance agent, I will help you find the best Medicare options in your area that will best suit your individual needs this upcoming year.