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Question: I am confused about my insurance. This year I turned 65 and signed up for Medicare and a Medicare Advantage Plan. Now they are saying I have to choose my insurance during October, November and December. Why do I have to do this again?
Answer: Medicare can be difficult to understand, so I will try to explain Medicare enrollment periods and how it is impacting you right now. You enrolled earlier in the year (2026), because YOU turned 65. The age of 65 is when Original Medicare begins for most individuals. The time of year we turn 65 is different for everyone, therefore, everyone's Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) comes at a different time. The IEP is your first opportunity to enroll in Medicare. Once you are enrolled into Medicare, you must adhere to the same timelines as everyone else on Medicare. Medicare plans are almost always calendar year plans, so they are different every calendar year. The Annual Open Enrollment Period (AEP) is when you can evaluate your plan for the next calendar year and compare it to the other plans available to you. You can decide whether to change your coverage for the next calendar year. You can also decide to keep your current coverage, as long as your plan is still available.
Each year the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is October 15th to December 7. This is the period of time when you can make changes to your prescription drug coverage and for you that comes as part of your Medicare Advantage plan. In other words, you may change the company you get your health insurance and prescription drug coverage from, or the way you get your health insurance and your prescription drug coverage. If you aren't currently in a prescription drug plan, this would be the period where you can join for the first time. If you are already in a prescription drug plan you can switch to an alternate plan. Whatever change you make, it will begin the first of the year, January 1, 2027.
If you decide to stay with your current plan during the Annual Open Enrollment Period, you have another chance to make changes to your coverage, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MAOEP) which is the period from January 1st to March 31st each year.
During this MAOEP, those individuals that are enrolled in Medicare Advantage Plans, including HMO's, and PPO's can switch to any other plan they wish. This includes you because you currently have a Medicare Advantage Plan.
Right now, you are beginning to get a lot of mail, a lot of emails, probably phone calls and text messages about the Medicare Insurance products available for 2027. That is because it is AEP, and all those insurance companies want your business.
It is important to understand that most people don't have to change their insurance during AEP, but they have the option to change for the new year, 2027. In thinking about what you will do with your insurance after your Initial Enrollment Period (turning 65), you must adhere to the rules that apply to everyone who has Medicare. Essentially it becomes something that you think about at least annually.
While these two annual enrollment periods are the most common times to make changes to your coverage, it is important to understand there are many Special Enrollment Periods that may be available to you. Special Enrollment Periods (SEP) are circumstances that apply to you during special situations. These SEP's are usually related to changes in your situation, like moving to another county or state, or losing your Medicaid eligibility. These SEP's are not always available but should be researched if you feel a change to your insurance coverage is necessary.
A great way to learn about your insurance situation and alternatives is to use the www.medicare.gov website, or refer to your Medicare & You handbook that you get. You can also call Medicare to ask questions at 800-633-4227. Another useful resource is the Medicare Right Centers, at www.medicarerights.org or 800-333-4114.
You also can talk to someone right in your local community, like the Office for Aging or a licensed Insurance Broker who specializes in Medicare products.
Good luck in making your decision for 2027! This year probably seems like it has flown by for you, turning 65 tends to bring a lot of decisions and options to light. It can be overwhelming. Looking forward, the years will continue to fly by, but hopefully your insurance decisions will go smoothly.
Janell Sluga is a Geriatric Care Manager helping seniors in our community access services and insurance. To reach her, please email editorial@post-journal.com.