Medicare’s annual open enrollment period concluded on Dec. 7, but other enrollment opportunities for Medicare coverage are getting underway.
Ohioans on Medicare who did not sign up for Part A (hospital insurance) and/or Part B (medical insurance) during their initial enrollment period, and do not qualify for a special enrollment period, can sign up for Medicare during the Jan. 1 to March 31 general enrollment period. Coverage begins on the first day of the month after signing up.
The Medicare Advantage open enrollment period also runs from Jan. 1 to March 31. During this time, individuals in a Medicare Advantage plan can switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare. For Ohioans impacted by network disruptions with Medicare Advantage plans, this enrollment period is another opportunity for Medicare Advantage plan enrollees to review their provider networks and determine if their current plan is adequate or if another plan (or Original Medicare) would be a better alternative. Any changes made during this period will take effect on the first day of the month after the new plan receives the request.
Additionally two new special enrollment periods are available. One is for individuals who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, and the other is for those who qualify for Extra Help, a low-income subsidy for prescription drug costs.
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Staff from the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program are available at 800-686-1578 and oshiipmail@insurance.ohio.gov to answer any questions.