Life changes may mean changing your Medicare plan

Common reasons for switching Medicare plans

You may be able to change your Medicare plans outside an enrollment period if certain things in your life or care have changed. Questions? Call our local advisors at 800-482-8163. They’ll help you determine if you’re in an election period and can make a change.

Cost

Rising premiums or deductibles can make even the best plan less affordable. When researching plans, think about monthly premiums, out-of-pocket maximums, deductibles, coinsurance and copays. Switching Medicare plans at the right time may lower your expenses.

Doctor is no longer in-network

If your doctor stops accepting Medicare or leaves the network, you'll need to find a new one. Understanding how to change Medicare plans and when switching Medicare plans is allowed can keep your preferred providers in reach.

Coverage needs have changed

Your medical needs change over time. You might require services not covered under your current plan, such as prescription drugs or hearing aids. If that happens, you can call a friendly advisor and learn how to change Medicare plans to match your new needs. 

Income can affect eligibility

• Changes in income or health may make you eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid (dual-eligible).
• Changes in income may also qualify you for programs like PACE or PACENET, which are prescription assistance programs that can impact your Medicare Advantage eligibility.

You've moved

Notify your plan if you move. You'll have the opportunity to make changes to your coverage, also called a Special Enrollment Period.

Change Medicare plans during 3 key enrollment periods

Once you've enrolled, there are 3 times when you can switch your Medicare plan, depending on your current coverage. Call our local advisors at 800-482-8163. They’ll help you determine if you’re in an election period. And help you understand how to change Medicare plans.

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

• Oct. 15 – Dec. 7
• You can add, drop or change your Medicare Advantage (Part C) or prescription drug (Part D) plan.

Open Enrollment Period (OEP)

• Jan. 1 – March 31
• You can leave your Medicare Advantage (MA) plan to revert to Original Medicare or change your Medicare Advantage plan.
• You can also enroll in a standalone Part D plan if you leave a MA plan with prescription coverage.
• You can't switch from Original Medicare to MA during OEP.

Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

• You can switch during an SEP if you have a qualifying life event, such as moving out of your plan’s service area, leaving or losing employer coverage, or losing drug coverage through no fault of your own.

Compare your options: Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage plans

Medicare (Original Medicare)

• Part A covers hospitalizations and skilled nursing care.
• Part B covers routine care, such as doctor visits and preventive care.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

• Medicare Advantage plans, such as Geisinger Gold, include Part A and B benefits, often with no or low monthly premiums.
• It usually includes prescription drug benefits (Part D).
• Out-of-pocket expenses are limited.
• Extra benefits may be offered, like dental, vision, hearing and wellness programs.