Medicare Open Enrollment preparation and Medigap switching guide

Medicare Open Enrollment is scheduled to run from October 15 through December 7. To prepare for this period, beneficiaries are encouraged to create a secure account at Medicare.gov. An online account allows users to view Medicare Summary Notices, review prescription medication history, and access the Medicare & You handbook without waiting for mail.

Regarding Medigap, individuals can switch carriers at any time of year, though doing so outside of the initial six-month Open Enrollment Period or without a Guaranteed Issue Right may require medical underwriting. Switching carriers while maintaining the same plan letter (such as Plan G) only changes the insurer and premium, whereas switching plan letters changes the actual coverage and cost-sharing structure.