OEP vs. AEP: What's the Difference? By Access Health Care Physicians Spring Hill, FL

Medicare beneficiaries have two enrollment periods each year: the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP) and the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). Both periods allow beneficiaries to make changes to their Medicare coverage, but there are some important differences between the two.

Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP)

The Medicare OEP runs from January 1st to March 31st each year. During this period, beneficiaries can:

• Enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time
• Change their Medicare Advantage plan
• Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to Original Medicare
• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

The Medicare AEP runs from October 15th to December 7th each year. During this period, beneficiaries who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can:

• Make one change to their Medicare Advantage plan
• Switch to Original Medicare

Key Differences between OEP and AEP

The key difference between OEP and AEP is that OEP offers more flexibility. During OEP, beneficiaries can make any changes they want to their Medicare coverage, including switching from one type of Medicare coverage to another. During AEP, beneficiaries can only make one change to their Medicare Advantage plan or switch to Original Medicare.

Another key difference is that OEP is open to all Medicare beneficiaries, regardless of whether they are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. AEP is only open to beneficiaries who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.

When to Use OEP and AEP

If you are considering making a change to your Medicare coverage, it is important to understand when to use OEP and AEP.

• If you are not currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and you want to enroll in one, or if you want to switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, you should use OEP.
• If you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and you want to make a change to your plan, or if you want to switch to Original Medicare, you should use AEP.

How to Choose Between OEP and AEP

If you are not sure whether to use OEP or AEP, consider the following factors:

• How many changes do you want to make to your Medicare coverage? If you want to make more than one change, you should use OEP.
• Are you currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan? If you are not enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can use OEP to enroll in a plan or switch to Original Medicare.

Getting Help Choosing Between OEP and AEP

If you need help choosing between OEP and AEP, or if you need help making changes to your Medicare coverage, you can contact Access Health Care Physicians Spring Hill, FL. We can help you understand your options and choose the best way to meet your needs.

Additional Information

In addition to OEP and AEP, there are a few other enrollment periods that Medicare beneficiaries may be eligible for. For example, new Medicare beneficiaries have a special enrollment period of eight months after they become eligible for Medicare. This period allows new beneficiaries to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare Part D plan without having to answer health questions.

Medicare beneficiaries should also be aware that there are certain restrictions on making changes to their Medicare coverage. For example, beneficiaries cannot make changes to their Medicare coverage during the six months before and after their Medicare Part B coverage begins.

If you have any questions about OEP, AEP, or any other Medicare enrollment period, please contact Access Health Care Physicians Spring Hill, FL. We are here to help you make the best choices for your Medicare coverage.