Here are some important dates to remember when you are considering your Medicare health and drug plan choices. (For information on HNE Medicare Advantage Plan sales presentations or one-on-one sales appointments, click on the Sales Presentations link.)

ANNUAL ELECTION PERIOD (AEP)

November 15 to December 31

The Annual Election Period is the time when all Medicare Advantage eligibile individuals may enroll and when enrolled members may choose to add or drop Part D prescription drug coverage. (Penalties may apply for late enrollment in Part D prescription drug coverage.)

OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD (OEP)

January 1 to March 31

During the Open Enrollment Period, individuals enrolled in Medicare may choose to switch from their current plan to a different plan. You may switch one time during this period. However, you cannot add or drop prescription drug coverage during this time.

• If your current Medicare plan includes a Part D drug program, the plan you are switching to must also include a Part D drug program. If you are enrolled in a stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP), you cannot switch to another stand-alone PDP.
• If your current Medicare plan does not include a Part D drug program, the new plan you are switching to must not include a Part D drug program either.

The effective date for enrollment forms received during Open Enrollment Period is the first day of the month following submission of an enrollment form.

April 1

From April 1 forward, election periods are only available to people who are newly eligible for Medicare or who are in a special enrollment period. 

INITIAL COVERAGE ENROLLMENT PERIOD (ICEP)

The ICEP is the 7-month period that begins 3 months before you turn age 65 and ends 3 months after you turn age 65. During this period you can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage plan.

SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIODS (SEP)

In certain situations you may be able to join, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage plans at other times, such as when you move out of the service area, have both Medicare and Medicaid, or live in an institution.