Medicare Open Enrollment FAQ
Medicare can be a confusing program for seniors and their adult children. Figuring out what’s covered and what’s not, how to find coverage for prescription drugs, and which plan is best can be a challenge. If you or your older family member are new to Medicare, it can feel overwhelming.
Families navigating Medicare open enrollment for the first time often have many questions but difficulty finding answers. It's common for seniors to end up staying with traditional Medicare or their current insurance plan, just to avoid having to make a decision.
We thought it would be useful to answer some of the most common questions seniors and their adult children ask about the Medicare open enrollment period.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare Open Enrollment
Q: When is Medicare open enrollment for 2024?
A: The dates for Medicare open enrollment are the same every year. It begins on October 15 and runs through December 7.
Q: If I make any changes to my Medicare plan this year, when do they go into effect?
A: While you will need to make changes in the fall of 2023, they won’t take effect until January 1, 2024.
Q: What does ANOC stand for and what is it?
A: ANOC stands for Annual Notice of Change. All Medicare recipients should receive this document in the mail in late September or early October each year. Your ANOC contains an easy-to-read comparison chart listing changes in coverage and costs. It’s important to review it and identify any differences that might impact your coverage.
Q: If I’m satisfied with my current plan, do I have to do anything?
A: No, Medicare doesn’t require you to do anything if you’d like to continue with your current plan. Medicare plans are set to renew automatically so there isn’t a gap in a senior’s coverage.
Q: What is an easy way to identify other options for Medicare coverage?
A: There are a variety of options you can consider for help. Medicare has real-time professionals you can call or chat with. Find their contact information on the Medicare website. If you’d like to schedule an in-person meeting, the SHIP program will be of interest. It is made up of state experts you can meet with face to face. Finally, you can use the online Medicare Plan Finder to locate plans offered in your area or that of your senior loved one.
Q: What does Medicare Part C cover?
A: Medicare Part C is made up of what are known as Medicare Advantage Plans. These are insurance plans offered through private companies that Medicare has contracted with to provide coverage for Medicare A and B benefits.
Q: If I don’t like my Medicare Advantage Plan, when can I disenroll from it?
A: The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) takes place from January 1 through March 31 each year. During this time, you can withdraw from an Advantage Plan and enroll in traditional Medicare or opt to move to a different Medicare Advantage Plan.
Q: How can I learn more about Medicare’s prescription drug coverage?
A: For many Medicare recipients and their families, prescription drug coverage is one of the most confusing elements of the program. The Drug Coverage (Part D) section of the Medicare website has resources that might be helpful to read.
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