Now that the Medicare Annual Election Period has Ended…

Each year, from October 15 – December 7, Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their coverage. For individuals who didn’t make a change during this period, it can be difficult to know when and under what circumstances they are allowed to make plan changes. Below are additional events that qualify someone for a Special Enrollment Period to make a change to their coverage:

• NEW Medicare Special Enrollment Period for individuals who take insulin: As a result of the Inflation Reduction Act, insulin medications that are on one’s plan formulary are covered with a maximum copay of $35 per month. Individuals who take a covered insulin product can make one additional change to their Part D coverage between December 8, 2022 – December 31, 2023 (yes, 2023). Beneficiaries must call 1-800-Medicare to use this SEP.
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period allows those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan to make one additional change to their coverage between January 1 – March 31. They can change to a different Medicare Advantage plan, or return to Original Medicare by enrolling in a standalone Part D plan.
• Having Extra Help or EPIC allow one to make changes to coverage mid-year. Medicare beneficiaries can apply for these benefits at any time of the year.
• Visit this site for an updated listing of additional Special Enrollment Periods.

The Benefits Plus Learning Center has a volunteer dedicated to assisting clients with Medicare questions. Clients can email MedicareHelpNYC@gmail.com for assistance.