Every year, Medicare provides two enrollment periods that run from Jan. 1 through March 31. During the General Enrollment Period, individuals can apply for Medicare if they missed their Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) or don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Coverage begins July 1 of that year. If you missed your IEP when you turned 65, you may incur late enrollment penalties that will increase your premiums.
During the second period — the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) — beneficiaries with Medicare Advantage plans can switch to another MA Plan or return to Original Medicare and purchase a standalone Part D prescription drug plan. Beneficiaries can only make one change during the MA OEP.
Hawaii SHIP counselors provide information and plan comparisons, helping beneficiaries decide which coverage is right for them. The service is free, confidential and unbiased. Hawaii SHIP is a federal, volunteer-based program serving beneficiaries, their families, caregivers and soon-to-be retirees. For more information about services or volunteering, call Hawaii SHIP.
HAWAII SHIP
Free, local, one-on-one Medicare counseling provided by the Hawai‘i State Health Insurance Assistance Program.
250 South Hotel St., Ste. 406, Honolulu, HI 96813
Oahu: 808-586-7299 | Toll free: 888-875-9229
www.hawaiiship.org
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