Medicare OEP 2019
The re- introduction of Medicare OEP 2019 means a new enrollment period. Actually, an old one that is coming back will be starting for the 1-1-19. This comes as as result of the 21st Century Cures Act. Click the link if you want to know more about the Cures Act because I did not bother to learn about it. I’m just being honest….
Under the current structure, the Medicare AEP runs from October 15th through December 7th. During this time Medicare members may make changes to their plans. They can move from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, change from Advantage to Medicare Supplement or Supplement to Advantage. They can also change stand alone part D drug plans at this time. There is no limit to how many times they can switch. The last choice they make by December 7th is final. After AEP is the Medicare Advantage Dis-enrollment Period (MADP) which runs from January 1st-February 14th. During this time, a Medicare Advantage plan member has the ability to drop their current Medicare Advantage Plan and return to original Medicare and purchase a Medicare supplement plan if they choose. They can also purchase a stand alone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) but only if they dis-enrolled from an MAPD.
In 2019, the new enrollment period (Medicare OEP)
The OEP will run from January 1st through March 31st. This OEP will allow Medicare Advantage Plan members to dis-enroll from their current plan and switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan. This can be done one time only. They can also dis-enroll from an advantage plan and go back to Original Medicare and then purchase a supplement and/or a PDP. Just like with the MADP, they can only enroll in the PDP plan if they had drug coverage with the MAPD they dropped.
Some agents will think this is a great thing as it is a much longer opportunity to make plan changes. Others are probably not too thrilled about this because they are burned out after going through AEP from Oct 15th (you can actually start seeing prospects on Oct 1st) through Dec 7th. Like it our not, it looks like this will be the deal going into 2019. If that upsets you, take a look at our Free Medicare Lead Program to cheer up. CLICK FOR FREE MEDICARE LEAD PROGRAM INFORMATION
Click here if you want to read the legislation. Set aside a full day to read it.
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