Understanding the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

During AEP, you can review your coverage to see which plan works best for you. We’ll help you better understand Medicare’s AEP and how Clover Health can help you find a plan that meets your healthcare needs and budget.

What Is AEP?

During Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) you can enroll in a new Medicare plan for the first time, or even switch between plans. It’s a great time to take a closer look at your healthcare coverage and make sure you’re getting all the healthcare services you need.

Take time to review your coverage each year and compare it against plans that might be better for your healthcare situation. Reasons to switch plans may include a change in income or changes in costs or coverage under your current plan. Or perhaps one of your prescriptions is no longer covered. There may be another plan that is a better fit for you, or you may discover you’re in just the right plan for your situation. Reviewing your coverage and comparing it with other plans will give you those answers.

During the Medicare AEP you can:

• Leave Original Medicare to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan (Medicare Part C)
• Enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Medicare Part D)
• Switch between Medicare Advantage plans
• Leave your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare (Parts A and B)

If you want to enroll in a Clover Health Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll need to already be enrolled in Original Medicare both Part A and Part B and live in one of our plan’s service areas.

When Is AEP?

Medicare’s AEP runs from October 15th to December 7th every year. Whether you have Original Medicare, a supplemental drug coverage plan, or a Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll be able to make changes to your coverage during AEP. If you make changes to your coverage during this period, your new plan will begin on January 1st of the following year.

Other Times You Can Reevaluate Your Medicare Coverage

If you are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can also make changes to your plan during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP). This period is from January 1st to March 31st. During OEP you can switch to Original Medicare or switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan.

You may also be able to change your coverage during a Special Enrollment Period. You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you have special circumstances, for example, if you’ve recently lost employer group coverage or if you’ve moved out of the service area of your current plan coverage.

Getting Ready for AEP

You can make changes to your Medicare coverage at any time during AEP. We suggest that you start early, it takes some time to review your plan options, compare drug coverage for each plan, and find out more about in- and out-of-network healthcare providers. If you’re enrolling in a new Clover Health plan, make sure you have your completed enrollment forms submitted to us by December 7th, and your new coverage will start on January 1st.

For Clover Health members, keep an eye out for the Annual Notice of Change notice we'll be sending you. Visit our plans page and enter your zip code to see what plans are available in your area.

Documents You Will Need for Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period

If you’re already a Clover Health member, you can contact Member Services at 1-888-778-1478 (TTY 711), from 8 am to 8 pm local time, 7 days a week,* and ask about switching to another one of our available plans. You can also log in to My Clover to view your account and switch plans online.

If you’re enrolling in a Clover Health plan for the first time, you’ll need your Original Medicare number and the date your Medicare coverage started. You can find this information on your Medicare card.

Enrolling in a Clover Health plan is easy. Fill out a form online or call us at 1-800-836-6890 (TTY 711) from 8 am to 8 pm local time, 7 days a week,* and we can start the application process with you.

Clover Health Medicare Advantage Plans Renew Automatically

If you’re a Clover Health member and you’re satisfied with your plan, you don’t have to do anything! Your plan will auto-renew at the end of the year and your coverage will continue. We do update our plans at the end of the year to provide you with better coverage, so it’s still always a good idea to review your coverage during AEP. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions about updated plans or new plans available in your area.

 

Published on 9/21/20