If you missed your IEP seven months window, you could still enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) during the General Enrollment Period. However if you enroll during the annual General Enrollment Period, your Medicare Part A and B will not start until July first of that year. Therefore, there would be a big possibility that you could have a gap in coverage. If you didn’t maintain creditable coverage, you could be subject to Part B late enrollment penalty that you will have to endure.
If you missed your IEP, you can enroll in Part D or a Medicare Advantage Plan during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) which takes place between October 15 through December 7 every year. The coverage will begin on January 1st of the following year.
Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug plans benefits change each year. Your monthly premium may increase, your benefit may change, and your Medicare Advantage plan may no longer have your doctor in the network or your prescription drugs on the formulary. If you are unhappy with the changes, this is the perfect time to change your coverage.
Yes, you can join at any time. However, if you enroll outside your Medigap OEP, you will have to answer health questions and have to go through medical underwriting during the application process. A carrier can deny you coverage due to health issues or pre-existing conditions if you apply outside your Medigap OEP.
