The annual Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period of Jan. 1 through Feb. 14 will be replaced with a different arrangement, which will be effective starting this year, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS.
The Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period lets you drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). It also lets you sign up for a stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
In 2019, a new Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period will run from Jan. 1 through March 31. If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you will have a one-time opportunity to:
- Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan
- Drop your Medicare Advantage plan, and return to Original Medicare, Part A and Part B
- Sign up for a stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan (if you return to Original Medicare)
So, why would you want to switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan?
All Medicare Advantage plans have certain benefits you can always count on. Many include coverage beyond Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). However, these extra benefits (beyond Part A and Part B) can change year-to-year.
If you would like to confirm that you are on the correct plan, or you have questions about your plan, please feel free to call me. If you are turning 65 this year, it is not too early to start to understand the rules and facts of Medicare. I can help you understand the rules of the road.
Call Lynne Jones, a licensed salesperson, at (480) 212-2246.