Medicare Open Enrollment Starts Oct. 15 — Are You Ready?

Medicare Open Enrollment for coverage in 2022 starts Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7.

The annual open enrollment period is an opportunity to evaluate whether your current plan remains your best option. You can add, drop or switch Medicare Advantage plans or prescription drug coverage to fit your needs. Any changes you make to your coverage will take effect Jan. 1.

Costs and coverage can change on an annual basis, so even beneficiaries who were satisfied with the benefits they received in 2021 are encouraged to use the open enrollment period to compare their current plan to other options.

RetireGuide published a free Medicare Open Enrollment Guide to help beneficiaries prepare for the process and better understand the options available to them. The guide includes information on types of Medicare plans, costs and how to prepare for the open enrollment period.

Medicare Coverage Options for 2022

During the open enrollment period, Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their coverage, including switching from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage or adding a Part D prescription drug or Medigap plan.

Original Medicare includes Part A hospital coverage and Part B, which covers outpatient care and treatment. Medicare Advantage plans include that same coverage as well as additional benefits and perks.

Medicare Advantage plans can include coverage for vision, hearing and dental services as well as meal access, over-the-counter allowances and fitness plans. Many Medicare Advantage plans can also include Part D coverage.

For beneficiaries in a Medicare Advantage plan, an additional open enrollment period runs from Jan. 1 to March 31, during which time you can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another or go back to Original Medicare with or without a Medicare drug plan.

Changes to Medicare Costs in 2022

According to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the average Medicare Advantage premium in 2022 will be $19, which is a drop from the $21.22 average of last year’s plans. The average monthly Part D premium, however, is on the rise from $31.47 in 2021 to $33 in 2022.

Each year, Medicare deductibles and premiums are adjusted according to the Social Security Act.

The Medicare Part A inpatient hospital deductible and the Medicare Part B monthly premiums and annual deductible increased in 2020 and again in 2021. CMS had not released the 2022 rates as of Oct. 12.

Additional Resources

It’s important to be prepared when making your Medicare coverage choices. RetireGuide offers free resources to help you plan with confidence.

Compare different combinations of Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, Medigap and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans to see how they work on their own or together to cover your health care costs. Learn about the factors that impact the amount a Medicare beneficiary pays for health care. And find additional articles about open enrollment, late enrollment penalties and common mistakes to avoid.

• Medicare Coverage Simulator
• Medicare Costs: Why You May Pay More for Health Care
• Medicare Open Enrollment Information Directory