October 15 marks the beginning of the Medicare open enrollment window for eligible seniors, during which Medicare plan enrollees can reassess their existing Medicare coverage options — whether enrolled in Original Medicare with supplemental drug coverage or Medicare Advantage. This period gives them the opportunity to make changes if they choose to. Here are the answers to the questions everyone is asking.

Please note that this blog is for informational purposes only and may not reflect changes that have subsequently been implemented. For complete information, visit the Medicare website.

  • When is Medicare open enrollment? Medicare open enrollment begins on October 15 and continues through December 7. The opportunity for extended signup periods does exist in FEMA emergency or major disaster areas that may not have the ability to complete their enrollment during the normal timeframe.
  • What Medicare plan changes are allowed during the open enrollment period? Someone who is previously enrolled in Medicare coverage can make several changes to their plan. these may include:
    • Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage (in the Medicare Advantage plan’s service area)
    • Switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare plus a Medicare Part D plan
    • Switch to Medigap plan, depending on medical underwriting and the individual’s circumstances
    • Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another or from one Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to another
    • Enroll in a Medicare Part D plan
  • Can a person change their enrollment anytime before the December 7 deadline? Individuals can change their mind during the entire enrollment period, and there are no limits on the number of changes that can be made if the enrollee changes their mind during the process. The last selection will take effect on January 1, 2024.
  • Once the plan is in effect and the enrollment period is closed, can coverage be changed? Before the December 7 deadline, any changes can be made. If the Medicare enrollment period has ended and you’ve enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31) can be employed to choose a different Advantage plan or switch back to Original Medicare/Part D. If the Medicare Advantage enrollment period is closed, options are more limited. However, if an enrollee believes that they made their decision based on inaccurate or misleading information, can call 1-800-MEDICARE. Depending on the circumstances, the call center may allow plan changes.
  • Who’s eligible to make coverage changes during the Medicare open enrollment period? Anyone currently covered by Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage is allowed to make changes during open enrollment. However, the annual Medicare open enrollment window does not apply to Medigap plans, which – in most states – are only guaranteed issue during a beneficiary’s initial enrollment period. Individuals can apply for a new Medigap plan during this period. In addition, anyone who did not enroll in Medicare Part B when first eligible they are not allowed to use the Medicare Advantage annual enrollment period to sign up.

Does Medicare Pay for Assisted Living?

Medicare typically won’t cover custodial care, but under specific or unique conditions, it may cover required skilled nursing care. Skilled care is usually provided or supervised by a certified nursing professional or doctor and includes medical services like physical therapy treatments or changing sterile dressings.

However, most assisted living facilities do not provide skilled nursing care onsite. Rather, these residences typically provide care and supervision but not the level of medical treatment offered in a nursing home. There are a few services provided in an assisted living facility that Medicare may help cover, such as transportation to doctors’ appointments or some preventive health services.

If you are looking for a senior living residence for a loved one and need more information regarding levels of care and payment options, call My Care Finders. We are a professional senior placement agency that has collected all of the information you need to make the right choice for your family. My Care Finders services are always FREE of CHARGE to families.