Medicare Renewal: How Often Do You Have to Enroll in Medicare?
Key Takeaways
- Generally, Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Part D automatically renew each year and require no action on your part.
- You may switch plans or make changes during a designated enrollment period.
- Your plan provider must notify you each fall of any coverage changes for the following year.
- If your Medicare Advantage or Part D provider ends their contract or your plan becomes unavailable, you will need to re-enroll in a new plan or switch back to Original Medicare.
Generally, Medicare renewal is not necessary. You do not need to renew your Medicare coverage once you are enrolled unless you want to make changes to your plan, such as switching from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage or changing from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
Your plan provider will notify you of any updates to benefits and coverage before the Annual Enrollment Period. Make sure you look over these changes to see if you would like to make changes to your enrollment. Read on to learn the Medicare renewal process and when you might need to take action to renew your Medicare plan.
When Do You Need to Renew Medicare?
Medicare renewal is automatic for most beneficiaries enrolled in Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, or Medigap. The automatic Medicare renewal helps prevent lapses in coverage. You do not need to take any action to continue your existing Medicare coverage unchanged.
However, this is the Medicare renewal process if you make adjustments or switch plans:
- Change from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage. When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, it replaces your Original Medicare coverage. This change is automatic, and you do not need to notify Original Medicare if you enroll in Medicare Advantage. From then on, your Medicare Advantage plan will renew automatically each year.
- Change from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare. To drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare, you must disenroll from Medicare Advantage. To do this, contact your plan provider to end your coverage. Disenrolling from Medicare Advantage automatically defaults you back to Original Medicare coverage.
- Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another. You may change Medicare Advantage plans by notifying the new provider of your intent to enroll. You must also inform your existing plan of the date you plan to disenroll.
- Change from one Part D plan to another. You may change Medicare Part D plans by notifying the new provider of your intent to enroll. You must also inform your existing plan of the date you plan to disenroll.
- Your current Medicare Advantage or Part D plan is ending. If your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan is ending, your plan provider will inform you so you have time to prepare. You must either enroll in a new Medicare Advantage or Part D plan or go back to Original Medicare.
Let’s find your ideal Medicare Advantage plan.
Medicare Renewal Periods
If you decide to make changes to your existing enrollment, you may do so during eligible enrollment periods each year:
- Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): The AEP runs from October 15th to December 7th each year. During the AEP, Medicare beneficiaries can switch to Medicare Advantage from Original Medicare, switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare, switch Medicare Advantage plans, add Part D, or switch Part D plans.
- General Enrollment Period (GEP): The GEP runs from January 1st to March 31st of each year. This three-month window provides a second chance for Medicare-eligible individuals who missed their initial enrollment window to sign up, potentially avoiding or reducing late enrollment penalties.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MAOEP): The MAOEP occurs from January 1st to March 31st each year. During the MAOEP, individuals enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can switch Medicare Advantage plans or switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare.
- Special Enrollment Period (SEP): An SEP is a window outside of the regular enrollment periods when individuals can make changes or switch plans. Qualifying events include moving out of your plan’s service area or losing employer-sponsored coverage.
Changing Your Medigap Plan
Medigap, also known as Medicare Supplement Insurance, is a type of private insurance that helps cover out-of-pocket costs from Original Medicare. While you may enroll in Medigap at any time, your options and rates can vary depending on when you apply.
The best time to enroll is during your initial Medigap Open Enrollment Period, a one-time window that begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B. It lasts for six months and during this time, you will receive the same plan options and premiums as a healthy individual. If you enroll after this period, you could be charged higher premiums or be denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions.
What You Need to Do For Medicare Renewal
Unless you are changing plans, such as switching from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, you do not need to take any action during enrollment periods because your existing coverage will automatically renew.
However, if you do change plans, you will need the following to enroll in a new Medicare Advantage or Part D plan:
- Proof of identity
- Social Security Number
- Your Medicare ID number, which is on your Original Medicare card
- Information about your current Medicare plan
What Is the Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)?
The Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) is a letter sent every fall to Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D beneficiaries. The ANOC outlines any cost, coverage, and benefit-related changes that will take effect on January 1st of the following year. For example, the ANOC might include updates regarding a plan’s network or providers, premium rates or copay fees, or healthcare services or prescription drugs that are no longer covered by that plan.
What If I Receive a Non-Renewal Notice?
A non-renewal notice differs from an ANOC. A non-renewal notice informs beneficiaries that their current Medicare plan will no longer be available in the following year. Non-renewal notices are issued annually in October, allowing beneficiaries time to choose a new plan and take action during the next Annual Enrollment Period. Providers are required to outline options for alternative plans in the non-renewal notice.
Will My Medicare Card Expire?
Your Medicare card does not expire and remains valid as long as you continue to pay your premiums and maintain your eligibility for Medicare benefits. However, you will receive a new card if you change plans, such as enrolling in Medicare Advantage, or if you experience a change in eligibility status. Note that even if you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan and receive a new plan card, it is important to still keep your government-issued Medicare card.
If your card is lost or damaged, you may log into your Medicare.gov or Social Social Security Administration account to print a replacement card or request a replacement by mail. You may also call Medicare to request a replacement or visit your local Social Security office in person.
If you lose your Medicare Advantage card, contact your plan provider to learn how to request a new card.
Ready for a new Medicare Advantage plan?
Medicare Renewal Exception: Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans
A Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) is designed for individuals who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Unlike standard Medicare plans, D-SNP plans do have an element of required renewal.
To maintain eligibility for a D-SNP, you must renew your Medicaid coverage every year. The process of renewing Medicaid typically involves submitting proof of income and residency to your state’s Medicaid agency.
Putting It All Together
For beneficiaries looking to keep their existing Medicare coverage in the coming year, no action is required to renew Medicare benefits in most cases. Original Medicare renews automatically, as do most Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap plans.
However, if you need to make changes or if your plan will be discontinued in the coming year, you may need to re-enroll in a new plan during your next eligible enrollment period.
Sources
- Plan non-renewal notice. Medicare.gov
- CMS Non-Renewal Reminder Notice. Medicare.gov
- Seniors & Medicare and Medicaid Enrollees. Medicaid.gov