When is Open Enrollment?
Open enrollment for Medicare and Covered California has begun. The enrollment period for Medicare and Medicare Drug Plans began on October 15 and extends through December 7, 2020,[1] while the open enrollment period for Covered California insurance plans began on November 1 and extends through January 31, 2021.[2] If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan (also known as Medicare Part C), the open enrollment period runs from January 1, 2021, to March 31, 2021.[3]
It is important to remember that if you wish to have your Medicare coverage take effect on January 1, 2021, you must enroll in that plan by December 7, 2020.[4]
What is Open Enrollment?
Open enrollment is the period during which individuals can enroll in a healthcare plan for the following year. During this period, you may purchase a health insurance plan under Covered California or sign up for Medicare. You can also use the open enrollment period to renew or change your current healthcare plan and prescription coverage. If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you may use the open enrollment period to switch to Original Medicare, switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan, or join a separate Medicare Drug Plan.
Medicare Advantage Plan and Medicare Drug Plan enrollees should review their coverage options every year because these plans sometimes change their cost-sharing, drug lists, and network of providers. Persons who are not eligible for Medicare or Medi-Cal should consider purchasing health insurance through Covered California.
Resources
To learn more about Medicare’s open enrollment period, call 1-800-MEDICARE or click here.
Medicare counseling may be available to you. Call 1-800-434-022 or click here to learn more.
To gain a better understanding of Medicare Advantage and Medicare Drug Plan enrollment, click here.
To enroll in and learn more about Covered California’s coverage options, call 1-800-300-1506 or click here.
[1] https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/joining-a-health-or-drug-plan
[2] https://www.coveredca.com/support/before-you-buy/enrollment-dates-and-deadlines/
[3] https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/11219-Understanding-Medicare-Part-C-D.pdf
[4] https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/joining-a-health-or-drug-plan