As AEP draws to a close some agents wonder what’s next. OEP is next, and we will go over a few reasons why Medicare OEP 2025 is important. After AEP, many agents want to take a break, we will discuss why this is not a great idea.
Click here to watch a YouTube video on Medicare OEP best practices
What enrollees can do during MA/MAPD OEP
First, we will discuss what you can do during the Medicare Advantage OEP. The OEP takes place from January 1 and goes through March 31 each year.
Those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan of any type can change from one MA/MAPD plan to another.
MA/MAPD plan enrollees can opt to disenroll from their plan and enroll in Original Medicare. If they opt to enroll in Original Medicare, they can add a PDP plan and possibly a Medicare Supplement plan. Please keep in mind, the Medicare Advantage OEP does not create a guaranteed Issue period for MS plans in underwritten states.
What enrollees cannot do during MA/MAPD OEP
Another important thing about the MA/MAPD OEP is knowing what you cannot do.
Beneficiaries enrolled in Original Medicare cannot enroll in an MA/MAPD plan. To take advantage of the MA/MAPD OEP, the beneficiary must be enrolled in some type of Medicare Advantage plan.
Plan enrollees cannot change plans more than once during this enrollment period.
Why the Medicare OEP 2025 is important
The 2025 OEP is especially important because of the amount of changes that are taking place. Many clients may decide to stay in their current plan and did not realize their plan had changed. Some plans have lost or lowered benefit amounts for specific services.
Because in 2025, Dual eligible plan enrollees do not have a quarterly SEP unless they change into an integrated plan, they may need to use the OEP as a way to make a plan change.
Watch a YouTube video on Dual Partial Dual and LIS member changes
Please note; Some plans have been discontinued for 2025. When this is the case, anyone enrolled in a discontinued plan should use an SEP for a plan term. The SEP for plans terminating runs from 12/8 through 2/28.
As always this is another way for agents to be sure their clients are happy with the plan they chose during AEP. If they are not, you have another chance to ensure they find a plan that provides the coverage they are looking for.
Things agents can and can’t do during MA/MAPD OEP
There are some things agents can do during the OEP (Jan 1 – March 31). They can market to people turning 65; this is what they should be doing year round. It is also market to anyone with an SEP. Agents can also check on clients to ensure they are happy with their plan choice and offer to answer any questions they have.
Click here and learn about SEPs
Agents cannot actively market the OEP. This includes sending beneficiaries communications about making changes using the MA/MAPD OEP specifically.