Enrolling for Medicare can be intimidating. Not only is there a wide variety of information, but there are also enrollment periods and dates to track. Simply put, Medicare is a national health insurance program designed for people ages 65 and older.

There are several main enrollment windows for Medicare to know: the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), Open Enrollment Period (OEP), and Special Enrollment Period (SEP). If you are eligible for Medicare coverage, it is important to understand the differences between them. IntuneHealth is here to help you navigate all of it.

What Is AEP?

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is every year from October 15 to December 7. During AEP, anyone who is eligible for Medicare can make changes to their existing coverage, such as enrolling, dis-enrolling, or changing their Medicare Advantage coverage or Part D Prescription Drug Plan coverage. Changes take place on January 1 of the following year.

What Is OEP?

The Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP) runs from January 1 to March 31 each year. If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan; drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare, Part A, and Part B; or sign up for a stand-alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan (if you return to Original Medicare). Keep in mind that this is only available if you switched plans during the previous AEP.

Modifications made during OEP are implemented on the first day of the upcoming month. Note that you cannot switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage during OEP.

What is SEP?

Life can throw challenges outside of our control. Because of this, there are situations that allow for a plan change through a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).

You could be eligible to enroll in a new Medicare plan if you recently moved, retired, lost employer coverage, or have been diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), heart disease, or diabetes. You are also eligible if you have recently turned 65. Coverage typically begins the first day of the month after you apply.

Simplify Your Medicare Journey with IntuneHealth

With a trustworthy health care ally, navigating Medicare enrollment periods can be simple. At IntuneHealth, we can connect you to a licensed Medicare Advantage plan agent or broker to learn more and find the right plan. Let us help you make informed and proactive health care decisions so you can pave the path for a healthy future!

Become An IntuneHealth Patient Today

IntuneHealth is a new approach to primary care for people 65+ on a Medicare Advantage plan. We specialize in caring for older adults and offer proactive, preventive care to keep you healthy — including walk-in visits and same-day appointments for patients — so you can spend more time living your best life. 

We also offer events and programs to keep our patients healthy, active, and connected, from yoga to cooking classes. Make sure to book your one-on-one tour of your local center or call us today at 1 (844) 646-8863!­