Is your Medicare plan providing what you need?

Sometimes things outside of our control change circumstances and make the current health plan an uncomfortable fit.  Usually plan membership is for the calendar year but, occasionally a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) exists for Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan members to enroll or disenroll.  You may be able to start the new plan as early as the beginning of next month. 

Most people will have to wait until the Annual Enrollment Period, also known as AEP (October 15 - December 7).  Plans changes made during AEP start January 1 of the new year in most cases (unless there was a SEP).

Medicare is for the permanently disabled, those turning 65 and those 65+ retiring. 

You may be able to get Medicare earlier if you are permanently disabled, have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or ALS.  

If you are turning 65 you may enroll in a Medicare plan up to 3 months before you turn 65 through 3 months after you turn 65.

If you have continued working past 65 and had Employer Group Coverage, but are retiring, you may be eligible to get a Medicare plan now.