You can join a Medicare Advantage plan when you first become eligible for Medicare and every year during the Annual Election Period from October 15th through December 7th with coverage effective the first of the following year.
You must reside in the Medicare Advantage Plan’s Service Area. In most cases you must be enrolled for the calendar year.
There are other times that you may be able to join or switch plans. Special Enrollment situations include:
- Moving out of your plan’s service area
- If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid
- If you qualify for Extra Help to pay for Prescription Drugs
- If you are in a nursing home or institution