Who can join a Medicare Advantage plan?

To join a Medicare Advantage plan you must:  

• Have Part A and Part B.  

• Live in the plan’s service area.  
• Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the U.S.  

When can you join a Medicare Advantage plan?

You can join a Medicare Advantage plan at certain times even if you have a pre-existing condition.  

You can join or leave a Medicare Advantage Plan only at certain times during the year, such as the time surrounding your 65^th birthday, when you move to a different county, when you lose your other health care coverage, or other special circumstances.  

Each year, Medicare Advantage Plans can choose to leave Medicare or make changes in coverage, costs, service area, and more. If the plan decides to stop participating in Medicare, you’ll have to join another Medicare Advantage Plan or return to Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans must follow certain rules when giving you information about how to join their plan for more information about these rules and how to protect your personal information.  

What do I need to know if I have a Medicare Advantage plan?

If you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan, review the “Annual Notice of Change” and “Evidence of Coverage” from your plan each year:  

1. Annual Notice of Change: Includes any changes in coverage, costs, and more that will be effective starting in January. Your plan will send you a printed copy by September 30.  

2. Evidence of Coverage: Gives you details about what the plan covers, how much you pay, and more. Your plan will send you a notice (or printed copy) by October 15, which will include information on how to access the Evidence of Coverage electronically or request a printed copy.  

If you don’t get these important documents, contact your plan.  

Are you eligible for Medicare Advantage? 

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