Once you’ve found your ideal coverage, you’ll need to know when and how to enroll.
Your Initial Enrollment Period is when you are first eligible to enroll in Medicare. This applies to all plans (Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement and Medicare Part D). If you don’t sign up for Medicare Part B when you’re first eligible, Medicare will require you to pay a late enrollment penalty.
Your Initial Enrollment Period is:
Before you enroll, you’ll want to confirm your month of eligibility. To see when you’re eligible, visit the Social Security Administration's website or call 800-772-1213 (TTY: 800-325-0778).
As your needs or budget change over time, you may find yourself wanting to change plans. You can make changes to your plan during the following enrollment periods.
When: Each year from October 15 through December 7
What you can do:
When: Each year from January 1 through March 31
What you can do:
When: You may make changes to your plan any time your situation qualifies. For example, if you happen to move to a home outside your service area, you are allowed to change plans.
What you can do, if eligible:
For more information on Special Enrollment periods, visit Medicare.gov.
Typically, you can only change Medicare Supplement plans when your plan is up for renewal (once each year in May). You may also have to answer additional health questions to be accepted into the new plan.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) gives you additional flexibility, allowing you to change Medicare Supplement plans during Annual Enrollment – without additional medical exams, underwriting or health questions. You can also switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare + Blue Medicare Supplement without underwriting during this time.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in its health programs and activities. Learn more about our non-discrimination policy and no-cost services available to you.
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