Medicare Open Enrollment: Don’t Miss It in 2022

Diana Linn, CFP^®, CDFA^®

Wealth Advisor

Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period in 2022 runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. This means you have less than two weeks left to retool your coverage before the window closes.

Here are a few things to remember to make the process easier to manage:

First, the term “open enrollment” can be a little misleading, as it’s not actually open to everyone. This period is intended for anyone currently enrolled in Medicare to make changes to their supplemental coverage. If you are within the seven-month window of your 65th birthday and ready to begin Medicare, there is a separate sign-up process called Initial Enrollment Period.

Next, be sure you know your current coverage before making a change, and understand the ABCs of Medicare in general:

• Medicare Parts A and B—commonly known as “original Medicare”—offer the same basic coverage for everyone. Broadly speaking, Part A covers hospitalization and Part B is your medical insurance to help pay for services from health care providers.
• Beyond Parts A and B, you’ll most likely need some supplemental coverage to bridge gaps. That’s where Part C comes in, also known as a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medigap—both of which are administered by private insurance companies.
• During open enrollment you can also elect to add Part D coverage, which is the Medicare prescription drug benefit.

Lastly, it’s important to know the things you can change during this annual election period: You can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage; switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare; switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another; or enroll in Part D prescription coverage or drop your prescription plan.

This can be confusing, so if you need help sorting through your options during Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period in 2022, please call on us. We’re ready to help.