Switching Medicare plans is like swapping seats at the Wenatchee Wild—you can do it, but you need to know when and where you’re allowed. Medicare gives you several chances to switch Medicare if your needs change, just like moving from the bleachers to next to the glass when the view isn’t quite right.
Suzie from Wenatchee Insurance is like a friendly usher who knows all the best seats.
Annual Enrollment – Oct 15 through Dec 7
During the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) from October 15 to December 7, you can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, change your Medicare Advantage plan, or sign up for a Part D prescription drug plan.
During the AEP, you want to double-check your plan (ticket) to make sure that it is in the section that you want to be. You also get the chance to change the plan on your side kind of like upgrading your tickets to make sure you’re seeing the action from the best spot.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Jan 1 -March 31
If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and decide it’s not for you, there’s also the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31. Suzie can help you switch back to Original Medicare or find a new Medicare Advantage plan during this time.
Special Enrollment Periods like losing a plan or moving
And if life throws you a curveball, like moving to a new area or losing other insurance, Suzie can check if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), giving you even more flexibility to switch medicare plans.
Suzie tip: We have another blog post that has a timeline for a Medicare Advantage plan leaving Washington State.
So, whether you’re looking for a better seat or just want to see the game from a new angle, Suzie will make sure you have the perfect Medicare plan to enjoy the show.
Suzie with Wenatchee Insurance has been helping people in Washington State navigate the twists and turns of Medicare for over a decade. If you have been a long-time resident, you may have encountered her when she was a Pharmacy Technician in Wenatchee. She has people who have set appointments years in advance to do the change from healthcare to Medicare.
Topics: health insurance, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, health alliance, wellcare, Molina, humana, Suzie, Chelan County, Okanogan, Grant County, Douglas County, 509, Leavenworth, Quincy, Cashmere, Entiat, switch medicare,