Enrolling in a Part C or D plan outside your Initial Enrollment period involves using a Special Enrollment. Under certain qualifying events, you may be eligible for this unique enrollment.
Qualifying Events:
Loss of Coverage
Loss of coverage from employer or family member, or expect to in the next 60 days.
Medicare terminates your plan’s contract.
Household Size
Events like marriage, a new baby, adoption, divorce, or death.
Residence Status
Move to a new address that isn’t in your current plan’s service area or have coverage options available at your new residence. Moving in or out of a skilled nursing facility or long-term care facility. Becoming a U.S. citizen.
5-Star Plans
Medicare rates plan for quality and performance using a star system from 1 to 5, with 5 considered excellent. Customer satisfaction surveys and information from healthcare providers. Updates are made annually giving customers reliable information about plans they are considering. You may switch to a 5-star Part C or Part D plan if available in your area. You may only use this once from December 8 – November 30.
References:
https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/when-can-i-join-a-health-or-drug-plan/special-circumstances/join-plan-special-circumstances.html
https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/when-can-i-join-a-health-or-drug-plan/five-star-enrollment/5-star-enrollment-period.html
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