Medicare-eligible people have an opportunity each year to research the best Medicare options available, and if they wish, switch to a plan that better meets their needs. This period of time is called the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP).
When is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?
AEP begins Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7 of each year, with coverage changes taking effect on Jan. 1 of the new year.
What’s the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?
Medicare plans can change in price and benefits each year. The Annual Enrollment Period allows you to switch to a plan for the following year that best fits your needs.
Why should people consider changing plans?
You should always review how your Medicare plan is changing for the next year. It is important to ensure the plan you have will still meet your needs. If you are still satisfied with your plan, you don’t need to do anything to stay with the plan you have. If you are considering changing plans, do your research on the plans available to you, and enroll in your new plan by Dec. 7.
Does SSM Health offer Medicare Advantage Plans?
Yes! The Health Plan provides the following Medicare Advantage options based on service area:
- Dean Health Plan serves Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Rock and Sauk counties in Wisconsin. To learn more about the Medicare Advantage plans available, please visit deancare.com/Medicare
- Prevea360 Health Plan serves Brown, Door, Oconto, Kewaunee, and Sheboygan counties in Wisconsin. To learn more about the Medicare Advantage plans available, please visit prevea360.com/medicareadvantage
- WellFirst Health — provided by SSM Health Plan — serves Madison and St. Clair counties in Illinois, and St. Charles, St. Louis and Warren counties, and the city of St. Louis in Missouri. To learn more about the Medicare Advantage plans available, please visit wellfirsthealth.com/medicareadvantage
- Outside of our service areas: If you do not live in one of the areas above, go to medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE for information on available plans in your area.
Not eligible for Medicare but in need of health coverage?
The open enrollment period for individuals and families, or Affordable Care Act enrollment, begins Nov. 1, 2022! With additional tax credits and subsidies available from the American Rescue Plan, more people are eligible for financial assistance this year. Visit wellfirstbenefits.com for plans in Missouri and Illinois, deancare.com for plans in southcentral Wisconsin and prevea360.com for plans in Northeastern and Northwestern Wisconsin to learn more about our plans, the enrollment periods and if you qualify for financial help. If you live outside of these areas, visit healthcare.gov for your plan options.
