Medicare OEP rules

Medicare OEP rules

Before we get into what the Medicare OEP rules are, we will discuss what the Medicare OEP is.

What is the Medicare OEP

The Medicare OEP is also called the Medicare Advantage OEP or (open enrollment period).  This enrolment period is in addition to the Medicare annual enrollment period (AEP) that runs from October 15th through December 7th each year.  The OEP is specifically enrollees of MA/MAPD plans.  It begins January 1st and runs through March 31st each year.   During this time, any MA/MAPD plan enrollee can switch to another MA/MAPD plan or Original Medicare and a PDP plan.

Find out more about the MA OEP

Clients who call you during the MAPD OEP and are unhappy with the coverage they chose, have one more opportunity to make a change.  This can be helpful if they did not check their coverage options during the AEP.  It is also useful when, your clients renew their coverage and find their plan has changed and no longer provides what they need for the new year.

To learn the differences between Medicare AEP vs. OEP

What agents can and can’t do during the MA/MAPD OEP

It is important to know; CMS has marketing guidelines in place for this enrollment period.   Agents cannot knowingly target or send unsolicited marketing materials to members of MA/MAPD plans during this period.

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