Introducing 5-Star Special Enrollment

There’s a new year-round special enrollment period available to individuals enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or prescription drug (Part D) plan. For the first time ever, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will allow beneficiaries to enroll in a different plan during a special enrollment period which lasts all year.

Here’s how it works:

If you’re currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan or prescription drug plan with 4.5 stars or fewer, you can switch to a different plan in your area that has a five-star rating. The big news is that you don’t have to wait for Annual Enrollment because you can switch ANY time of the year. This option is available once per plan year, meaning if you choose to switch, you’ll be on your new plan for the rest of the year and cannot switch back.

Now, for the bad news: There aren’t many plans which currently have a 5-star rating. However, we expect the number of plans receiving a 5-star grade to grow in coming years.

If you aren’t familiar with the quality ratings, you’re in good company. As a recent study showed, most Medicare-eligible seniors are not familiar with the government’s quality rating system. We are hopeful that by building awareness of the 5-star special enrollment option, and the rating systems, we’ll be able to help beneficiaries make more informed decisions in future plan years.

For more information visit the Medicare web site. You can also call us toll-free at 1-800-800-1999 or contact us online.

Additional resources:

• Medicare Plan Finder

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