when can you enroll in the bcbs medicare advantage plan

If you become eligible for Medicare before 65 due to a qualifying disability, you may be able to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan after you have been getting Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board

benefits for 21 full months. After that point, you have 7 full months to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Full Answer

When can I enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan?

If you become eligible for Medicare before 65 due to a qualifying disability, you may be able to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan after you have been getting Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits for 21 full months. After that point, you have 7 full months to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan.

How do I transition from Blue Cross to Medicare?

I'm already a Blue Cross member, how do I transition to Medicare? Who is this for? If you're a Blue Cross member and are eligible for Medicare, this page explains how you can transition into the program. Apply for Medicare. You should enroll in Original Medicare when you first become eligible.

Can I enroll in Medicare Part B during a special enrollment period?

For example, if you have health coverage through your employer that is terminated, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period where you could enroll in Part B, as well as other Medicare options, such as Medicare Advantage. More information about Special Enrollment Periods is available on the Social Security website.

When does Medicare coverage start?

If you enroll in Medicare during the General Enrollment Period, your coverage starts July 1. Sign up for Original Medicare if you weren’t automatically enrolled and missed your Initial Enrollment Period.

Can you add Medicare Advantage plans at any time?

If you're covered by both Medicare and Medicaid, you can switch plans at any time during the year. This applies to Medicare Advantage as well as Medicare Part D.

Can I switch to Medicare Advantage at any time?

You can make changes to your plan at any time during the Medicare Advantage open enrollment period from January 1 through March 31 every year. This is also the Medicare general enrollment period. The changes you make will take effect on the first day of the month following the month you make a change.

What is the Medicare Advantage initial enrollment period?

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Seven-month period, including the three months before, the month of, and the three months after the month you first become eligible for Medicare (either your 65th birth month or the 25th month you have collected disability benefits).

Can you enroll in Medicare Advantage with pre existing conditions?

Medicare defines a pre-existing condition as any health problem that you had prior to the coverage start date for a new insurance plan. If you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, you are generally covered for all Medicare benefits even if you have a pre-existing condition.

Can I switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan?

You can switch from original Medicare to Medicare Advantage during one of the Medicare open enrollment periods. Medicare Advantage plans offer a popular substitute for Original Medicare (Parts A and B).

What is the biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage can become expensive if you're sick, due to uncovered copays. Additionally, a plan may offer only a limited network of doctors, which can interfere with a patient's choice. It's not easy to change to another plan. If you decide to switch to a Medigap policy, there often are lifetime penalties.

What are the 3 enrollment periods for Medicare?

This is called your Initial Enrollment Period. It lasts for 7 months, starting 3 months before you turn 65, and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65. My birthday is on the first of the month....When your coverage starts.If you sign up:Coverage starts:2 or 3 months after you turn 653 months after you sign up3 more rows

How long is the initial enrollment period?

7-monthInitial Enrollment Period – a 7-month period when someone is first eligible for Medicare. For those eligible due to age, this period begins 3 months before they turn 65, includes the month they turn 65, and ends 3 months after they turn 65.

What is my Medicare eligibility date?

For Original Medicare, Part A and Part B, a simple way to determine your exact Medicare effective date is to refer to the lower right corner of your Medicare card or to refer to your letter from either the Social Security Administration or the Railroad Retirement Board.

Can Medicare Advantage plans deny for pre-existing conditions?

As with Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans can't charge you more for preexisting conditions. Because they are offered by private insurance companies, basic costs for Medicare Advantage plans will vary by plan. In addition, you can't be denied coverage based on preexisting conditions.

Why do doctors not like Medicare Advantage plans?

If they don't say under budget, they end up losing money. Meaning, you may not receive the full extent of care. Thus, many doctors will likely tell you they do not like Medicare Advantage plans because private insurance companies make it difficult for them to get paid for their services.

What's considered a pre-existing condition?

As defined most simply, a pre-existing condition is any health condition that a person has prior to enrolling in health coverage. A pre-existing condition could be known to the person – for example, if she knows she is pregnant already.

How long do you have to be on Medicare before you turn 65?

You're first eligible in the seven-month window that includes the three months before you turn 65, the month of your birthday and the three months after you turn 65. You can apply for a Medicare Advantage plan after you enroll in Original Medicare. Pick an insurance company. If you're already a Blue Cross member, you're familiar with our company. ...

What is Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage plans are the all-in-one option. Private companies like the Blue Cross contract with the federal government to provide all the Original Medicare benefits and sometimes more health coverage on top of that. Medigap plans, also called Medicare supplement plans, fill the gaps in your Original Medicare coverage.

What is a medicaid supplement plan?

Medigap plans, also called Medicare supplement plans, fill the gaps in your Original Medicare coverage. Medigap plans can pay for deductibles, copays and other benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. You’ll need both your Medicare card and your Medigap ID card to get care.

When does Medicare start?

If you enroll in Medicare during the General Enrollment Period, your coverage starts July 1.

What is the initial enrollment period for Medicare?

Initial Enrollment Period. Your Initial Enrollment Period is when you first become eligible for Medica re. This is a seven-month window when you can enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and/or Part B). You can also enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) plan if you are already enrolled in Original Medicare.

What age do you have to be to get Medicare?

You are generally entitled to Medicare if you meet any of the following criteria: You are age 65 or above. You are disabled and have received disability benefits from Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits.

When is Medicare open enrollment?

October 15 through December 7 The Medicare Open Enrollment Period provides an annual opportunity to review and, if necessary, make enrollment changes to your Medicare coverage. During Open Enrollment, some examples of changes that you can make include:

Can you change your Medicare enrollment after the enrollment period ends?

Once your Initial Enrollment Period has ended, you can only make enrollment changes during either the Medicare Open Enrollment Period or General Enrollment Period, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

How long do you have to be on Medicare Advantage?

After that point, you have 7 full months to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan. Your coverage will begin on your 25th month of receiving disability benefits. If you have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), you are eligible for Medicare the first month you receive your disability benefits.

When does Medicare open enrollment end?

- Sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan. Fall Medicare Open Enrollment Period for Medicare Advantage plans (aka Annual Enrollment Period, or AEP) Starts October 15. Ends December 7. - Sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan.

How long do you have to be on Medicare before you can get a disability?

If you become eligible for Medicare before 65 due to a qualifying disability, you may be able to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan after you have been getting Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits for 21 full months. After that point, you have 7 full months to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan.

How many types of Medicare Advantage Plans are there?

The availability of Medicare Advantage plans in your area will vary and is subject to how many insurance companies offer plans where you live. There are five primary types of Medicare Advantage plans that are the most prevalent, and the availability of each type of plan will also vary based on your location.

What are the factors that affect Medicare Advantage?

Several factors can affect your Medicare Advantage plan costs, such as: Whether your plan offers $0 monthly premiums. The drug deductible included in your plan, if your plan offers prescription drug coverage. Any network restrictions your plan may include regarding approved providers who are in your plan network.

What are the benefits of Medicare Advantage?

Some of the potential benefits offered by a Medicare Advantage plan can include coverage for: Dental care. Vision care.

When does Medicare AEP happen?

Medicare AEP occurs every year from October 15 to December 7. During this time, those who are already enrolled in Original Medicare can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. During AEP, you may also switch Medicare Advantage plans or drop your plan entirely to return to Original Medicare. YouTube. MedicareAdvantage.com.

When is the open enrollment period for Medicare?

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) is January 1 through March 31 each year . During this time, you may enroll in another MAPD plan or disenroll from our plan and return to Original Medicare. You may only make one election during the MA OEP Enrollment Period. You are also eligible to use the MA OEP if you are a new Medicare beneficiary who enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan during your ICEP. In this case the OEP period occurs from the month of eligibility to Part A and Part B through the last day of the 3rd month of eligibility.

When does the AEP start?

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) Anyone can join, switch or drop a Medicare prescription drug plan between October 15 and December 7. If you apply during this time, coverage begins on January 1.

When do you have to enroll in Medicare?

If you’re receiving Social Security benefits, you’ll automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A when you turn 65. If you’re delaying Social Security benefits past your 65th birthday, you’ll have to contact Social Security to enroll in Medicare Part A.

How long does Medicare Part B last?

The first time is the Initial Enrollment Period. It lasts for 7 months – the 3 months before your 65th birthday, the month of your birthday, and the 3 months after your birthday.

How long does it take to enroll in Medicare Part A and B?

Enroll in Original Medicare Part A and B. Then you can enroll in Part C or D. You have a 7-month time frame: The 3 months before your birthday month. The month of your birthday. The 3 months after your birthday month. Annual enrollment. It's an opportunity to enroll in or change Part C and D plans each year.

How long do you have to enroll in a Part C plan?

You get 8 months to enroll without penalty. Any time during the year. Part C or D. This is for people who meet certain conditions, like if you move out of your plan's service area or lose a Part C plan you had through an employer. If you qualify, you can enroll in a Part C or D plan. Any time during the year.

Why is Medicare important at 65?

They're important because if you miss certain deadlines, you may end up paying more for your health coverage.

How old do you have to be to get Medicare?

You qualify for full Medicare benefits at age 65 or older if: You are a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident who has lived in the United States for at least five years and are eligible for Social Security.

What is a special enrollment period?

Special Enrollment Period (Special Circumstances) Certain life events — such as moving or losing your employer group coverage when you retire past age 65 — may make you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. This allows you to change or obtain your initial coverage outside your Initial Enrollment Period or the Annual Election Period.

When is the best time to enroll in Medicare Supplement?

The best time to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan is during the open enrollment period, which is a 6-month window: The month of your birthday, plus. The 5 months after that. If you don’t sign up for Medicare Supplement during your open enrollment period, you can sign up any time.

When is the enrollment period for Medicare?

However, there may be a penalty for late enrollment. January 1 to March 31, every year. Your coverage begins on July 1 of the same year. After signing up for Original Medicare, ...

How long is the initial enrollment period for Medicare?

Initial Enrollment Period. The initial enrollment period for Original Medicare and prescription drug (Part D) coverage is a 7-month window: To sign up for a prescription drug plan, you first need to be enrolled in Parts A or B.

How long does Medicare enrollment last?

For instance: If you work past 65 or continue health coverage with your employer. This period lasts 8 months after you stop working or when your coverage ends (whichever comes first).

How long does a prescription last after you stop working?

This period lasts 8 months after you stop working or when your coverage ends (whichever comes first). If you lose your employer retiree health coverage. In this case, your special enrollment period lasts 6 months after your coverage ends. In either case, you have 2 months to enroll in a prescription drug plan after the month your employer health ...