How Do You Sign Up for a Medicare Advantage Plan?

Do you want to know how to sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan? Here's some information for you, regardless of whether you're:

• You are enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B), but you want to switch to Medicare Advantage.

• If you're new to Medicare and considering enrolling in Medicare Advantage, this is the place to start.

• Already enrolled, but want to change Medicare Advantage plans.

Before you sign up for Medicare Advantage, here's some background information.

Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) is a supplement to your Original Medicare (Parts A and B) benefits. These benefits are provided to you under Part C by a private insurance company that has a contract with Medicare.

Prescription drug coverage is included in many Medicare Advantage plans. Some people may find Medicare Advantage plans to be a convenient way to combine all of their Medicare coverage into a single plan. Some plans may even include extra coverage, such as routine dental care.

You are still enrolled in the Medicare programme if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. You must still pay the monthly Medicare Part B premium as well as the plan premium (if it charges one).

Understand when you can sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan and how to enrol in one.

There are specific enrollment periods for Medicare Advantage plans.

• You have an enrollment period called as the Initial Enrollment Period when you initially become eligible for Original Medicare, Parts A and B. (IEP). This time period lasts seven months. It begins three months before your birthday month, includes your birthday month, and then continues for three months more.

• However, if you delay Part B enrollment, you will be unable to enrol in a Medicare Advantage plan during your IEP. This is due to the fact that in order to be eligible for Medicare Advantage, you must have both Part A and Part B. When you sign up for Part B, you will usually be given another enrollment period. The period is known as the Initial Coverage Election Period.

• The Fall Open Enrollment, also known as the Annual Election Period, is another annual enrollment period. Every year, it runs from October 15 to December 7. You can enrol in a Medicare Advantage plan, change plans, or make other changes to your coverage. Learn more about Medicare's Annual Election Period.

• You may also be eligible for a one-time switch between Medicare Advantage plans. Learn about the Open Enrollment Period for Medicare Advantage.

• In some cases, you may be eligible for a Special Election Period to enrol in a Medicare Advantage plan.

How to Sign Up for a Medicare Advantage Plan

If you want to enrol in a Medicare Advantage plan, you usually have several options.

• On this page, click the Find Plans button and follow the prompts to see a list of plans in your area. You can then compare plans and even enter your medications to compare plans in greater detail (click Rx Drugs). When you've decided on a plan, click the Enroll button to enrol online.

• Set up a time to speak with us, and we will assist you in enrolling. To schedule a phone call, click on the links below.

• Call the insurance company that provides the plan you desire.

• Call Medicare at the number provided below.

To be eligible for Medicare Advantage, you must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B, and you must live in the plan's service area. You can generally enrol in a Medicare Advantage plan if you are under the age of 65 and have end-stage renal disease (ESRD, which is permanent kidney failure). Enter your zip code on this page to begin comparing plans.