Q: When is Medicare Open Enrollment for 2016 coverage?

A: You can sign up for Medicare as soon as you become eligible, regardless of what month it is. But each year, you have the option of making changes to your Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plan (or Medicare Part D) during open enrollment. Open enrollment for the coming year runs from October 15 to December 7, so open enrollment for 2016 will begin on October 15, 2015.

During that period, you can switch from original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or vice versa. You can also switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or from one Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan to another, or drop your Medicare Part D coverage altogether.

There’s also a Medicare Advantage dis-enrollment period (MADP) that runs from January 1 to February 14 each year. During this time, Medicare Advantage enrollees can opt to switch back to original Medicare, and can then sign up for Medicare Part D as well.

For 2015 coverage, open enrollment for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D ended on December 7, 2014, and the Medicare Advantage dis-enrollment period ended on February 14, 2015. But enrollment continues year-round for people who are newly-eligible for Medicare.  Special Enrollement Period (SEP): "In some cases you may be able to enroll in, or switch, plans outside of the IEP and OEP. This includes changes in your life situation, such as: 
* You retire and leave a health care plan through your employer or union.
* You move out of your current health plan's service area.

Call me today help you understand your Medicare Choices. Roxana M. Nieto, licensed sales agent for multiple companies, (702) 253-5520.