Medicare Open Enrollment 2019 – Sign Up or Make Changes Now!


October 13, 2018

Surveys show that most people who sign up for Medicare are overwhelmingly satisfied with their care. If you are eligible for Medicare but haven’t signed up yet, open enrollment for 2019 runs from October 15, 2018 to December 7, 2018. Now is the perfect time to talk to your Medicare broker in Santa Rosa about how you can enroll or make changes to your plan before open enrollment ends. 


​​If you miss the open enrollment period, you’ll be unable to enroll or make changes until the next enrollment period in 2019. If you want to switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage but miss the enrollment period, you may be able to enroll in a Medigap plan that gives you interim coverage until the next open enrollment period arrives.
 
Changes You Can Make During Open Enrollment
 
You can make a variety of changes to your current Medicare coverage during the Medicare open enrollment 2019 period, including:


  • Switch from your current Medicare Part D plan to another
  • Switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare, or vice versa
  • Enroll in Medicare Part D if you didn’t immediately do so when you became eligible (although you may be subjected to a late enrollment penalty)

 
If you miss the annual enrollment period (AEP), you may still be able to make certain changes to your plan during the 
Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (January 1 – February 14). You can generally only make two types of changes during this time: Enroll in a standalone prescription drug plan and switch from your Medicare Advantage plan to the Original Medicare plan.
 
How To Enroll in Medicare Advantage
 

Are you thinking about enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan? If so, you need to make sure you meet certain criteria, including:


  • You must already be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and B
  • You can’t be diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (exceptions may apply)
  • You must live in the service area for the plan

 
In addition to delivering Medicare Part A and Part B benefits, the Medicare Advantage plan also includes additional coverage options like routine vision services, prescription drug coverage and other benefits. Since the Advantage plan can change from year to year, you’ll receive an Annual Notice of Change every fall. Read through the notice carefully to understand the benefits your plan will offer in the coming months. 

Learn More
 
Sackett & Associates Insurance Services knows how to help individuals enroll in Medicare. For more information about how to enroll or change your plan during Medicare open enrollment 2019, contact us at 707-823-3689 or 
send your questions to us through our online form. We also invite you to like us on Facebook, find us on LinkedIn and subscribe to our blog


Share This Post

Taking The Pain Out Of Health Insurance

We make it simple to find the right insurance plans for your needs

In just a few quick steps.

Comments


Posts You Might Also Like


A group of people are sitting around a table in a conference room.
By Sackett Insurance Services June 27, 2025
Design standout employee benefits for your startup to attract talent, boost retention, and build a supportive work culture.
A stethoscope is laying on a piece of paper that says medicaid
By Sackett Insurance Services June 10, 2025
Medicaid cuts in 2025 may disrupt patient care, close hospitals, and hurt communities. Learn what’s at stake and how to prepare.
A group of people are standing in front of a large screen.
By Sackett Insurance Services May 29, 2025
Explore 2025 health insurance trends: AI, mental health, premium hikes, and flexible benefits for smarter coverage decisions.
An isometric view of a capitol building surrounded by people.
By Sackett Insurance Services May 16, 2025
Explore how 2025 healthcare policy changes impact coverage, costs, technology, and fairness in the U.S. system.
A man , woman and child are sitting at a table in a kitchen.
By Sackett Insurance Services April 23, 2025
Proposed Medicaid cuts threaten care for millions. Learn who’s at risk and how these changes could reshape healthcare access across the U.S.
An elderly woman is sitting on a couch using a tablet computer.
By Sackett Insurance Services April 11, 2025
Telehealth access is at risk. Urge Congress to protect Medicare and ensure care remains accessible for seniors and underserved communities.