Understanding the Open Enrollment Period for Medicare

Let’s dive in, during the Open Enrollment Period (also known as AEP), you can sign up for a new plan for the first time, or you can switch between plans. It is a great time to look closely at your health coverage. You want to make sure you are getting all the services you need.

Take time to check your coverage every year. Compare it against other plans that might be better for you. You might want to switch because of changes in income or costs. Maybe one of your prescriptions is not covered anymore or your trusted doctor is no longer in the network. You might find a plan that fits you better, or you might see that your current plan is perfect.

What You Can Do During Open Enrollment

During this period, you have several options to change your coverage. You can:

• Leave Original Medicare to join a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C).
• Enroll a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D).
• Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
• Leave your Medicare Advantage plan and go back to Original Medicare (Parts A and B).

If you want to join a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, like Clover Health, you must already have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). You also need to live in the area where we offer service.

October 15 – December 7: Open Enrollment Period

You can make changes to your coverage during these dates. This applies if you have Original Medicare, drug coverage, or a Medicare Advantage plan. If you pick a new plan now, it will start on January 1 of the following year.

January 1 – March 31: Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment

If you already have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can make changes during this time, too. You can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare.

Learn more about the different Medicare enrollment options available.

If you are already a Clover Health member, you can simply call Member Services at 1-888-778-1478 (TTY 711), from 8 am to 8 pm local time, 7 days a week,* and ask about switching to another one of our available plans. You can also log in to your My Clover account online to switch plans.

Documents You Will Need: If you are joining a Medicare Advantage plan like Clover Health for the first time, you will need your Medicare card, your Original Medicare number and the date your coverage started.

The Clover Health Editorial Team creates easy-to-understand Medicare content to help people learn about their coverage and options. Our articles are written and reviewed by licensed insurance experts, healthcare writers, and Clover's clinical specialists. Every article is checked for accuracy, clarity, and CMS compliance.

Source: Medicare.gov: Joining a Plan