Fall Enrollment period is very confusing! Here is what you can do, and when you should do it.
Timeline for all plan types:
Oct. 1–31
- Renew or change your existing plan through Covered CA
- Renew or change your existing plan direct to insurer
Oct. 15–Dec. 15
- Enroll in a new Covered CA plan for a Jan 1 effective date
Oct. 15–Dec. 7
- Annual Enrollment period for Medicare plans. Medicare beneficiaries can change their MAPD or PDP plans.
- This is when those enrolled in a Medicare Supplement should review their prescription plans
Dec. 16–Jan 15
- Enroll in a new Covered CA plan for a Feb 1 effective date
Jan 1-Mar 31
- Make a one-time switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan
- Drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Medicare, Part A and Part B
- Sign up for a stand-alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan (if you return to Original Medicare).
- Drop your stand-alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan
Q: I have a health plan from Covered Ca. What should I do and when?
A: Check to ensure Covered CA has all your current info correct, including address, phone number, members of household, and taxable income. Report any changes necessary. Find out how much your monthly Advanced Premium Tax Credit (APTC) will be and what your new premium will be. Then renew or change your plan one time before the end of October.
Q: I have a health plan directly from an insurer (Blue Shield, Kaiser, etc) What should I do and when?
A: Check that the insurer has all your current info correct, including address, phone number. Report any changes necessary. Find out how much your new monthly will be. Then renew or change your plan one time before the end of October.
Q: I have a Medicare Advantage plan.
A: Review the annual notice of change you will receive, and compare it to other plans available. If you want to change your plan, you must do so by December 7.
Q: I have a Medicare Supplement and a Part D prescription drug plan.
A: Review your prescription drug plan and compare its drug coverage to other plans available. You can also review your Medicare supplement and see if you might want to change to a less expensive plan without giving up too much coverage.