What Happens After You Apply for a Medicare Plan
So, you’ve applied for your first—or a new—Medicare plan, and now you’re probably wondering: what happens next ? When will you receive confirmation that your enrollment went through? How soon will your new card arrive, and when can you start using your plan to see doctors or fill prescriptions?
These are all common questions, and getting clear answers can make the process (and waiting) less stressful. Knowing what to expect and when to expect it will help you know that you’re properly enrolled and ready to take advantage of your benefits without any issues or surprises.
In this article, we will help you understand common timelines after applying for a Medicare plan, what documents you will receive and when it may be necessary to reach out.
What to Expect Once You Apply for a Medicare Plan
Applying for a Medicare plan is a big deal, especially when you first enroll, and it’s normal to wonder what comes next. Once your application is submitted, there’s a short waiting period while your information is reviewed and processed. Understanding the steps that follow can help you feel more confident and prepared as your coverage gets set up.
1) Your Application Is Reviewed
Once you have applied for a Medicare plan, the insurance carrier will review your application. They will check with Medicare to verify your eligibility and the enrollment period you are using to apply for the plan.
They will check for accuracy of the information that was provided, and if something is missing, you will be contacted if there is additional information being requested.
2) You Will Receive a Confirmation Notice
Once your application is reviewed, you will receive confirmation by mail, email, or both that includes your plan details and coverage effective date. Keep this documentation for your records in case there are any delays obtaining the rest of your plan information.
Find Out What Happens If I Miss My Medicare Enrollment?
3) You Receive Your Member ID Card
Within 10-15 days after your enrollment has been verified, you will receive your Medicare plan Member ID Card delivered directly to your mailbox by the insurance carrier you chose during enrollment.
If the arrival of your Member ID card is delayed, which can happen especially during and following busy enrollment periods such as the Annual Election Period (AEP), you can often print off a copy by registering and enrolling in the online portal for your plan.
If your new plan is now active and you are concerned that you have not yet received your new plan card, you can contact the agent you worked with or reach out to our customer service department at Twin City Underwriters. If you enrolled on your own, you'll need to get in touch with the insurance carrier directly.
4) Review Your Plan Benefits Carefully
Once you receive your “Welcome Packet”, which includes documents like the evidence of coverage (EOC) outlining the plan benefits as well as your Member ID card, take some time to review the plan name and details to ensure they align with the coverage you expected to enroll in. If you did not meet with a licensed insurance agent who explained the plan details during enrollment, it's especially important to verify the following information to ensure the plan meets your needs.
Verify your plan's coverage for:
- In and Out-of-network providers
- Covered prescriptions
- Understanding co-pays, coinsurance, and deductibles
- Knowing what services are covered and whether any require prior authorization
Learn: What to Do If You Signed Up for the Wrong Medicare Plan
5) Set Up Premium Payments
If you did not already specify on your application how you would like to make payments for your Medicare health plan, you can do so once you receive your first premium invoice. Plan premiums are typically paid by Social Security deduction, direct bill, or automatic payments.
Just as with your Member ID card, processing and mailing of your first invoice may be delayed, particularly during busy enrollment periods.
Know When You Can Make Changes to Your Medicare Plan
Whether you are just enrolling in a Medicare plan for the first time or you are already enrolled and wondering when you can make a change, it's important to be aware of the various times of year when this is possible.
Your options greatly depend on your situation and what type of plan you are enrolled in. For the most part, when you enroll in a Medicare plan for the first time, you will be in that particular plan for the remainder of the calendar year. Depending on when you enroll, you may have an opportunity to switch sooner rather than later.
Medicare Trial Right:
This Trial Right is specifically for those who opted into a Medigap policy when they initially
joined Medicare, so not everyone has access to this opportunity.
If you leave a Medigap policy to join a Medicare Advantage Plan for the first time, you have a 12-month “trial period” to return to your Medigap policy if the same insurer still offers it. (If not, you may be able to buy certain Medigap plans depending on state laws) You may also be able to enroll in a Medicare drug plan during this time.
Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP):
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15th to December 7th each year. During AEP, Medicare recipients should review their current coverage and may make changes to it if necessary. Changes made during this timeframe will take effect on January 1st of the following calendar year.
How to Change Your Medicare Plan During the Annual Election Period
Medicare Advantage OEP:
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) runs annually from January 1st to March 31st. During this time, any Medicare beneficiary enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan (MA/MAPD) can make one change to their plan enrollment by:
- Changing to a different Medicare Advantage Plan with or without drug coverage.
- Leaving their Medicare Advantage Plan and going back to Original Medicare.
- Joining a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
Any changes made during the Medicare Advantage OEP will take effect on the 1st of the month following the enrollment.
Special Election Period (SEP):
You may also have a chance to change your Medicare plan if you have a qualifying life event, known as a Special Election Period (SEP). This could be a move, certain changes to your current coverage, or the opportunity to obtain new coverage (such as from an employer or spouse).
Find out more about the types of qualifying events for a Special Election Period.
Get Help With Your Medicare Enrollment
Whether you have questions before, during or after applying for a Medicare plan, professional, unbiased recommendations are invaluable. At Twin City Underwriters, we've been helping Medicare beneficiaries compare and choose suitable Medicare coverage based on their lifestyle and needs for over 50 years with our no cost, no obligation consultations.
We offer personalized support tailored specifically to you, and we’re committed to walking alongside you, not just during enrollment but throughout your entire Medicare journey. Our team of licensed insurance agents represents not just one but most of the insurance companies available in Minnesota, allowing us to provide information and guidance on many different Medicare plans.
We’re dedicated to helping you make the most of your Medicare experience and ensure you receive the coverage and support you truly deserve. Reach out today to speak with our trusted team and have your questions answered.
Choosing a Medicare plan can be difficult. Twin City Underwriters helps Medicare recipients in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Florida find the Medicare plan that meets their unique needs. Schedule a one-on-one meeting with one of our Medicare insurance brokers to get your questions answered!
Do you need help with Medicare, insurance and health plans? Explore your options with Allina Health Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield of Minnesota, Medica, UCare, United HealthCare and more. We work with you to find the best plan for your needs and budget. Contact us today to get started.