Important Enrollment Dates

Important: If you are enrolled in a MA Plan, PACE Plan, or Medicare Part D Plan, enrollment in Tufts Medicare Preferred will result in disenrollment from your current plan.

• Annual Election Period: November 15 – December 31 of each year. This is for anyone wishing to join a Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan or switch to a different plan. Your coverage will begin on January 1 of the following year.
  
  
• Open Enrollment Period (Not applicable to PDP): January 1 – March 31 of each year. During this period, anyone already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan can switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan with similar drug coverage. Anyone with original Medicare and a Prescription Drug Plan can switch to a Medicare Advantage Plan with similar drug plan.
  
  
• Special Election Period: Anyone who is new to Medicare, qualifies for extra help or moves in/out of the plan’s service area may join or switch Medicare Advantage plans; Other circumstances may also qualify as a Special Election Period

Important Note:
When you first become eligible for Medicare, you can enroll three months before your 65th birthday, the month of your 65th birthday, and three months after your 65th birthday. If you get Medicare due to a disability, you can join three months before and after your 24th month of cash disability benefits.

If you have retiree health care coverage through an employer, the enrollment rules are different. Call the employer or their benefits administrator for information.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) determines when you can change plans:

• You may switch Medicare Advantage plans each year between November 15 - December 31 (Annual Election Period) and between January 1-March 31 (Open Enrollment Period).
  
  
• You may switch, add or drop prescription drug coverage (including PDP plans) only during November 15 – December 31 (Annual Election Period).
  
  
• You may also change these plans at other times of the year under certain circumstances. Please call us to see what rules apply to your specific situation.