Which action is permissible during the Annual Election Period?

Which action is permissible during the Annual Election Period?

• A. Enroll in a plan for the first time.
• B. Charge additional premiums beyond published rates.
• C. Claim special benefits.
• D. Change to any plan only within the MA group.

Answer: (A)

During the Annual Election Period you can enroll in a Medicare plan for the first time, as well as switch between plans or drop coverage. This period is the opportunity to join a plan when you don’t already have one or want to change to a different plan for the upcoming year, with changes taking effect on January 1. Enrolling in a plan for the first time is the action that aligns with this availability window. Other options aren’t permissible actions during the Annual Election Period. Plans publish their set premiums, and you can’t charge extra premiums beyond those published rates. The process isn’t about requesting “special benefits,” since benefits are defined by the plan and claims are about using those benefits, not about obtaining additional “special” benefits during this period. And changes aren’t restricted to within the MA group; you can switch to a different MA plan or to a Part D plan, as applicable, during AEP.

During the Annual Election Period you can enroll in a Medicare plan for the first time, as well as switch between plans or drop coverage. This period is the opportunity to join a plan when you don’t already have one or want to change to a different plan for the upcoming year, with changes taking effect on January 1. Enrolling in a plan for the first time is the action that aligns with this availability window.

Other options aren’t permissible actions during the Annual Election Period. Plans publish their set premiums, and you can’t charge extra premiums beyond those published rates. The process isn’t about requesting “special benefits,” since benefits are defined by the plan and claims are about using those benefits, not about obtaining additional “special” benefits during this period. And changes aren’t restricted to within the MA group; you can switch to a different MA plan or to a Part D plan, as applicable, during AEP.