A Medicare Advantage plan combines Medicare Parts A and B, typically within an HMO or PPO plan with a private insurance carrier. These plans often include prescription drug coverage.

More about Medicare Advantage is online.

It’s important to know when you can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage plan.

Initial Enrollment Period

You can join a Medicare Advantage plan when you first become eligible.

If you’re turning 65 you can:

• Enroll up to three months before the month you turn 65. Coverage begins the month after you turn 65
• Join during the month you turn 65, or up to three months later. Coverage begins the month after you sign up

If you’re under 65 but have a disability, you can:

• Enroll up to three months before your 25th month of receiving Social Security Disability Insurance. Coverage begins on your 25th month of receiving SSDI benefits
• Sign up during the 25th month of receiving SSDI, or up to three months later. Coverage begins the month after you sign up

Medicare Advantage Enrollment Periods

Annual Enrollment Period: Oct. 15–Dec. 7

You can change from your current plan to Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage or a different Medicare Advantage plan. Your coverage begins January 1.

Open Enrollment Period: Jan. 1–Mar. 31

During the open enrollment period, you can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to a different Medicare Advantage plan or drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare. Coverage begins the month after you sign up.

You can make changes to your Medicare Advantage plan during Special Enrollment Periods that result from certain life events, such as changing where you live, losing or gaining other coverage, or other situations.

For More Information

If you have questions, call David Morrison, Licensed Sales Agent Specializing in Medicare, at 484.424.5222 (TTY: 711) or complete a Medicare Education Services online form.