Last Updated: November 10, 2020 

Medicare Open Enrollment

You may initially enroll in Medicare during the 7-month period that starts 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65. 

The 2021 Open Enrollment Period runs from Thursday, October 15 to Monday, December 7, 2020. During this seven-week period, you have a chance to change and review your coverage for 2021. You can use Medicare.gov to apply and enroll in health coverage. 

January 1 – March 31 is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan or switch to Original Medicare. 

You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period when certain life events occur.

Medicare Coverage Options

1.) Original Medicare includes Hospital (Part A) and Medical (Part B) insurance. To add drug coverage, you can add Part D. Additionally, adding a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy will help lower your out-of-pocket costs.

2.) Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) is an alternative to Original Medicare. These plans include Part A, Part B, and usually Part D. Most plans have additional benefits— hearing, vision, dental, and more.

Medicare Parts

*If you sign up for Medicare Part B when you’re first eligible, you can avoid a penalty.

Medicare Cost

Get Help

• State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Each state offers free virtual counseling, un-biased towards any health insurance companies. 
• Insurance brokers. They give free advice however they may have financial incentives to get customers to sign up for these health insurance plans.
• Fee-based consultants. These consultants have no ties to health insurance companies or health care providers, and are compensated per hour or project.
• Ask Claire. A free Medicare resource which is un-biased and connects you with a representative from a health insurance company.
• Medicare Plan Finder. An online tool which guides you through the process of shopping for and comparing plans.
• Medicare.gov. The official government site for Medicare.

Changes in 2021

• Lower out-of-pocket costs for Insulin
  If you enroll in a "Part D Senior Savings Model" plan, you may be able to join a drug plan that gives benefits for insulin starting January 1, 2021. Learn more: Medicare.gov/plan-compare 

• Acupuncture for chronic low back pain
  Medicare covers up to 12 acupuncture visits in 90 days for chronic low back pain.

• Telehealth & other virtual services
  Medicare covers remote healthcare through telecommunications technology.