Make the Most of Medicare Annual Enrollment Period
Medicare’s Annual enrollment period, also known as the Annual Election Period, is October 15 – December 7. Dignity Health encourages you to consider Medicare Advantage plans to ensure you can access Dignity Health’s comprehensive, quality health care network.
Medicare’s Annual Election Period may be your only opportunity during the year to enroll in, change or drop your Medicare health or prescription drug coverage if you choose to do so. Changes made during this time will take effect on January 1 of the following year.
What are Medicare Advantage plans?
These are health insurance plans that are offered by private insurance companies contracted with Medicare to provide you with all your Medicare Part A (hospital coverage), Part B (medical coverage), Part C and Part D (prescription drug benefits), and may also offer some extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn't cover.
We are working with independent licensed insurance agents at eHealth to help you compare your Medicare coverage options and find the best plan for you. This is a free service to you and there is no obligation to enroll or change your plan. You may also reach out to your existing insurance agent to review your options.
Call eHealth’s Dignity Health Helpline to speak to a licensed insurance agent.
Call (844) 286-7173 (TTY 711)
Monday – Friday: 5 a.m to 7 p.m. PT
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT
New to Medicare?
To enroll in Medicare, for the very first time, you may need to contact Social Security directly to learn about your Part A and Part B (Original Medicare) benefits. You’ll get information about what the different Parts cover, what you’re eligible for, when it will go into effect, and other important details. It’s recommended you do this before your 65th birthday to avoid a lapse in coverage and any late enrollment penalties.
Upon contacting Social Security, you should receive a packet in the mail from Medicare before you turn 65.
You can enroll in Medicare online, in person at your local Social Security office or by calling (800) 772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Once you enroll, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the regulatory body who manages Medicare, will send you a packet in the mail with your Medicare card and a handbook with important information about Medicare coverage choices.
If you’ve passed your Initial Enrollment Period, which is a 7 month time frame that includes the 3 months before your 65th birthday, your birthday month and 3 months after your birthday, you may need to wait for a qualifying event to be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period, or wait for the Annual Election Period to do so.
Ready to take the next step? Speak with a licensed insurance agent from eHealth for more information.
The eHealth website is not from the government. It's from eHealth, an insurance agency selling plans from many insurance companies.