If you are on Medicare, chances are you have wondered whether you are supposed to re-enroll every year.
That question comes up all the time, and honestly, it makes sense. We are here to provide the Medicare guidance you deserve.
Medicare has a lot of moving parts. Some things stay the same, and some things change quietly in the background.
So let’s slow this down so you don’t miss any crucial medicare open enrollment updates, and make it simple.
Do you have to enroll in Medicare every year depends entirely on which parts of Medicare you have.
For many seniors, the answer is no. For others, the coverage renews automatically, but still needs to be reviewed.
This is where people get tripped up, so let’s walk through it step by step.
Original Medicare does not require you to enroll again each year.
Once you sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B, that coverage stays active as long as you pay your Part B premium.
There is no annual paperwork and no deadline you have to hit to keep it.
This is one of the few parts of Medicare that actually works the way people expect it to. Sign up once, keep paying the premium, and it continues.
Medicare Supplement plans, often called Medigap plans, also renew automatically.
Once you are enrolled, the plan stays in force as long as you pay the premium. You do not have to reapply each year.
That said, premiums can and often do increase over time. That is why reviewing these plans periodically makes sense, even though enrollment is automatic.
We have seen many scenarios where someone was paying far more than they needed to for the exact same coverage.
As one Maryland client told us, “We had no idea we could save that much and still keep every doctor we liked.”
Medicare Advantage plans and Part D prescription drug plans also renew automatically.
However, these plans can change every year. Premiums, copays, drug coverage, and provider networks are all allowed to change.
This is exactly why Medicare created the Annual Enrollment Period. It is not there because you must re-enroll from scratch. It exists so you can review what changed and decide whether your current plan still makes sense.
A Pennsylvania client once said, “We didn’t change anything because we thought we didn’t need to. Then the bills showed up.”
I have had several visits at Senior Benefits. Each time, I hav vivited I received answers to my questions. When I placed a phone call and received a call back immediately. I would highly recond them to any senior that has questions to call Senior Benefits. – Gillie B.
Even when you do not have to enroll again, reviewing your coverage is still important.
Doing nothing does not cancel your Medicare, but it can quietly increase your costs.
That is especially true in MD, PA, and WV, where plan options and pricing can vary by county.
If you are enrolled in Original Medicare and continue paying your Part B premium, your coverage does not expire.
Coverage is usually only lost if premiums are not paid or if someone chooses to disenroll.
No, you are not required to make changes.
However, reviewing your plan is still smart because benefits and costs can change even if your health stays the same.
Your plan will usually continue, but you may face higher costs or lose coverage for certain medications or providers.
Most people do not find out until after the bills arrive.
No. Reviews with Senior Benefit Services cost nothing, because we are paid by the insurance company, not by the senior.
You do not have to enroll in Medicare every year just to keep your coverage active.
But you do need to understand which parts stay put and which parts deserve a closer look.
That is what we help with. Clear explanations. No pressure. No confusion.
Medicare is confusing, but our goal is to Make Medicare Easy.
Hours :
Hours :
Hours :
Hours :
Hours :
Hours :