Enrollment Information

Note: If you receive Medicare coverage through your Employer, please contact your Employer for open enrollment time frames.

You can join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage plan at these times:

  • When you first become eligible for Medicare, from 3 months before you turn age 65 to 3 months after the month you turn age 65.
  • If you receive Medicare due to a disability, you may join during the 3 months before to 3 months after your 25th month of disability.
  • You may enroll during the Annual Election Period, October 15 – December 7, with coverage beginning on January 1 of the following year.
  • During the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP), January 1 - March 31, you may disenroll from a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan or Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan (MA-PD) and return to Original Medicare.
  • If you disenroll from an MA or MA-PD plan and return to Original Medicare, you will be able to enroll in a stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP).

In most cases, you must stay enrolled in the plan you choose for that calendar year, starting the date your coverage begins.

In certain situations, you may be able to join, switch or drop Medicare Advantage plans during a Special Enrollment Period. A few examples of a Special Enrollment Period are:

  • If you lose creditable coverage (loss of employer group coverage)
  • If you make a permanent move into or out of the plan’s service area
  • If you have both Medicare and Medicaid
  • If you become approved for Low Income Subsidy (LIS - extra help)
  • If you qualify for any other exceptional conditions determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
  • If you enroll in a stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) during the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP)

Change Plans or Enroll

Find and compare Medicare plans that fit your life and budget. See a plan that's right for you? Enroll online, by phone, or download an application.

Related Information

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is an HMO plan and PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Excellus BlueCross BlueShield depends on contract renewal. Submit a complaint about your Medicare plan at www.Medicare.gov or learn about filing a complaint by contacting the Medicare Ombudsman. Y0028_9775_C.

This page last updated 10-01-2023.

 

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