Medicare Open Enrollment Period 2022 runs between October 15, 2021, and December 7, 2021. During this period, individuals who qualify for Medicare can renew or change Medicare policies.

For instance, if you have an Original Medicare plan but want to switch to a Medicare Advantage plan, you can do so during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period. Should you miss your Initial Enrollment Period as well as the Open Enrollment Period, you might have to pay a small penalty fee to obtain Medicare coverage.

Medicare Advantage (also known as Medicare Part C) is a different way to receive Medicare benefits. Medicare Advantage plans offer at least the same coverage level as Original Medicare but are offered by private insurance companies.

In addition to offering standardized coverage, Medicare Advantage plans include options such as prescription drug coverage, vision and hearing coverage, dental coverage, and more. These plans are particularly beneficial for those who require additional health support for hearing, vision, dental, or prescription drug coverage.

Original Medicare beneficiaries can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (also known as the Fall Medicare Open Enrollment Period) that runs October 15-December 7, 2021

Medicare Part D is an optional plan available to all Medicare beneficiaries. The program provides prescription drug coverage and gives enrollees a discount on prescription medication.

During the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (October 15-December 7), you may:

• Join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
• Change from one Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to another.
• Drop your Medicare prescription drug coverage altogether.

Medigap insurance is supplemental insurance that can help people obtain more health insurance coverage for medical problems. Medicare Supplement plans (Medigap) covering a portion of the expenses not included by Original Medicare.

Medigap can be a good insurance policy option for people who need a little more help with the financial side of health insurance, in addition to closing health insurance coverage gaps they may have.

The best time to buy a Medigap policy is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period (when you turn 65). During this window, you will get better prices and a wider choice among policies. Even if you have existing health conditions, insurers cannot refuse coverage or charge you a higher premium.

If you miss the initial window, Medicare beneficiaries can apply for Medigap coverage during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (October 15th and December 7th). However, if you apply for Medigap coverage after your initial Medigap Open Enrollment Period, there’s no guarantee you will be accepted if you don’t meet the medical requirements.

• Tap into the Medicare website - Medicare Open Enrollment Link
• Sign up for an appointment with ServiceLink - ServiceLink Medicare Learning Center
• Consult your insurance professional

Before you start, make sure you have the information you'll need on hand.  In addition to typical identifying information (name, date of birth, marital status, etc.), you should have a list of the medications you take and the health care providers (primary care, specialists and hospitals) you currently use or prefer.  They will also have questions about health conditions and recent hospitalizations.