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When Is the Best Time to Apply for a Medicare Advantage Plan?

August 25, 2023

A picture of medicare advantage plan on notepad, stethoscope, coronavirus 3D printing, piggy bank and other prop insight.

As a provider of comprehensive, senior-focused healthcare services, we at Palm Medical Centers want to make sure our patients receive all the assistance to which they are entitled. That’s why we accept most Medicare plans and encourage our patients to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.

Unlike original Medicare, which includes Part A (inpatient hospital care) and Part B (outpatient doctor visits and services) coverage, Medicare Advantage plans include everything Parts A and B cover, plus Part C – additional coverage for dental care, hearing care, vision, and wellness and fitness programs. In addition, Medicare Advantage prescription drug (MAPD) plans combine Medicare Part C and Part D to provide prescription drug coverage.

Clearly, a Medicare Advantage plan offers the most benefits for those who are 65 or over. The only hitch is that buying into a Medicare Advantage plan outside the designated enrollment periods often results in a penalty in higher prices or limited coverage for seniors who sign up late. That’s why it’s important to know when you can apply to your chosen plan without incurring extra costs.

Your Windows of Opportunity in Applying for a Medicare Advantage Plan

The ideal times to apply for a Medicare Advantage plan include:

The Initial Coverage Election Period (ICEP)

Most Medicare Advantage plan members obtain their coverage during the period that begins three months before their birth month and ends three months after that. During the ICEP period, there is no cost penalty to sign up at any time. However, it is still recommended to sign up as early as possible because you may experience a temporary gap in coverage. It takes up to three months for your Part D coverage to take effect after you sign up, so if your previous coverage ends before Part D takes effect, you would experience a gap in coverage.

To be on the safe side, submit your forms around three months prior to the first day of the month in which you turn 65.

Medicare Advantage Annual Election Period

If you are already receiving original Medicare benefits, but then decide to switch to a Medicare Advantage plan, you can do so without a penalty during the annual enrollment period which begins each year on October 15– or the beginning of the fourth quarter for most insurance companies– and ends on December 7.

Medicare Advantage Special Enrollment Period

If you are forced to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan outside of the normal enrollment periods, you can do so without incurring a penalty under certain special circumstances. These include:

  • If you are moving from one coverage area to another, which forces you to switch providers.
  • You experience a loss of prior coverage. For example, if the insurance provided by your employer ends when along with your employment. (Note: COBRA coverage is not applicable).
  • There are changes to your prior coverage beyond your control, such as a rate increase or a reduction of benefits.
  • A loss of coverage caused by a federal employee. Example: Being given inaccurate advice or being improperly encouraged to choose an option other than the coverage that you need.
  • Release from a correctional institution.

Doctors Medicare Advantage Plan in Lakeland, Florida

At Palm Medical Centers, we provide more than just senior primary care with genuine kindness. We also want to help you obtain the social services that are available to you and your family. That’s why we have dedicated patient relations outreach representatives who can help you choose the Medicare Advantage plan that best suits your individual needs. In addition, our patient liaisons work with ACCESS Florida representatives to streamline the application process for you.

Our patients have a 98% satisfaction rate with our services, because our doctors listen to them, and we have locations within 3 miles of most patient’s homes.

To learn more about how we assist patients with Medicare Advantage plans at Palm Medical Centers, call us at (833)500-PALM (7256)  or send us a message now.

We have multiple clinics located across South and Central South Florida, meaning you can likely find a Palm Medical Center location within 3 miles of your home. We’d even be happy to give you a tour of our medical clinic and wellness center upon request. So, contact us today!

Filed Under: Medicare Advantage Plans Tagged With: doctors medicare advantage plan lakeland fl, Medicare Advantage plan in Central Fl, Medicare Advantage plan in south FL, Medicare Advantage plan near me, medicare advantage plan near you, medicare for seniors lakeland fl, Medicare Provider in Central Florida

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5 Stars Review

Highly recommend Lou Ann Albano! She is very compassionate, friendly, skillful, attentive, provides excellent care and really listens to you. You are in great hands!

Deanne S.

5 Stars Review

I just wish I could quit forgetting my blood work appointment, but other than that everything is fine. I have been getting great care from Dr. Renan and the office staff is excellent.

Jennifer D.

5 Stars Review

The staff greets me with a smile and by name. There's never a long wait, and Dr. Min is the PC that I have ever had. 15 yrs and counting!

Rose R.

5 Stars Review

I am very happy to be a Patient at Dr Aristides Martinez Office, my appointment yesterday with Andrea was far above expected, she dedicated about one hour to talk with me about all my pains and my concerns. It was like if I would've been with a Psychologist, I came out of her office with all my questions answered and sure that I am in very good hands. I thanks God that I started coming to this Clinic.

Susana Tudda

5 Stars Review

I love Ms. Patel and the girls in the office. I rarely have to wait long. I have been going to this office since it was JayCare in 2015. I have never had a problem with any of the doctors or PAs that I have seen. Ms. Patel actually takes time with me and listens to my concerns. I already recommend her to everyone I know.

Kayleigh Ray

5 Stars Review

Since moving to Florida three years ago I’ve seen many doctors and just didn’t have a good feeling. Once I walked into Dr Shah’s office from the front desk staff to the doctor himself was a wonderful experience. You are always given their undivided attention and Dr. Shah is Very thorough in his exams. I give 5 stars to this office

Annette Gambino

5 Stars Review

Dr Fundora is absolutely incredible, very knowledgeable and caring and her entire staff is amazing too, highly recommended. The receptionists and even the security guards are extremely helpful and friendly, they always remember me when I come in and they’ve all always gone above and beyond to make each experience as easy and stress free as possible.

Louie Blanche

5 Stars Review

We love and trust Dr Cruz. Also their staff is wonderful they’re always happy & have a smile when you go in so it makes you feel better when you’re not feeling so good. I would highly recommend them to everyone and as a matter fact when I changed my insurance this year I made sure he was on the list. Sincerely, A happy patient

Linda Hudson

5 Stars Review

Dr Latt and his staff are AMAZING. Dr Latt takes his time to listen to you and explain everything In detail! The lobby looks amazing, made my heart feel the Spirit of Christmas. My mom was diagnosed with liver failure on Christmas Day and passed 10 days later, 2 years ago and I have really struggled to feel the spirit of Christmas since then. The minute I opened the door and walked into the building pure joy flooded my soul. Thanks to the Staff at Palm Medical for the Amazing Holiday Scene May God Bless you and your families always.

Mrs. Asher

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5 Stars Review

Dr Latt and his staff are AMAZING. Dr Latt takes his time to listen to you and explain everything In detail! The lobby looks amazing, made my heart feel the Spirit of Christmas. My mom was diagnosed with liver failure on Christmas Day and passed 10 days later, 2 years ago and I have really struggled to feel the spirit of Christmas since then. The minute I opened the door and walked into the building pure joy flooded my soul. Thanks to the Staff at Palm Medical for the Amazing Holiday Scene May God Bless you and your families always.

Mrs. Asher

5 Stars Review

Highly recommend Lou Ann Albano! She is very compassionate, friendly, skillful, attentive, provides excellent care and really listens to you. You are in great hands!

Deanne S.

5 Stars Review

I just wish I could quit forgetting my blood work appointment, but other than that everything is fine. I have been getting great care from Dr. Renan and the office staff is excellent.

Jennifer D.

5 Stars Review

The staff greets me with a smile and by name. There's never a long wait, and Dr. Min is the PC that I have ever had. 15 yrs and counting!

Rose R.

5 Stars Review

I am very happy to be a Patient at Dr Aristides Martinez Office, my appointment yesterday with Andrea was far above expected, she dedicated about one hour to talk with me about all my pains and my concerns. It was like if I would've been with a Psychologist, I came out of her office with all my questions answered and sure that I am in very good hands. I thanks God that I started coming to this Clinic.

Susana Tudda

5 Stars Review

I love Ms. Patel and the girls in the office. I rarely have to wait long. I have been going to this office since it was JayCare in 2015. I have never had a problem with any of the doctors or PAs that I have seen. Ms. Patel actually takes time with me and listens to my concerns. I already recommend her to everyone I know.

Kayleigh Ray

5 Stars Review

Since moving to Florida three years ago I’ve seen many doctors and just didn’t have a good feeling. Once I walked into Dr Shah’s office from the front desk staff to the doctor himself was a wonderful experience. You are always given their undivided attention and Dr. Shah is Very thorough in his exams. I give 5 stars to this office

Annette Gambino

5 Stars Review

Dr Fundora is absolutely incredible, very knowledgeable and caring and her entire staff is amazing too, highly recommended. The receptionists and even the security guards are extremely helpful and friendly, they always remember me when I come in and they’ve all always gone above and beyond to make each experience as easy and stress free as possible.

Louie Blanche

5 Stars Review

We love and trust Dr Cruz. Also their staff is wonderful they’re always happy & have a smile when you go in so it makes you feel better when you’re not feeling so good. I would highly recommend them to everyone and as a matter fact when I changed my insurance this year I made sure he was on the list. Sincerely, A happy patient

Linda Hudson

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Palm Medical Centers throughout central and South Florida offers value-based, and senior-focused medical services including Primary Care, In-House Specialists, Diagnostic Services, Case Management & Clinical Care, Social Services, Transportation, Wellness Centers, Pharmacy, Telemedicine, Patient Resources, and Caregivers support.

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