Medicare Open Enrollment

The time to review and compare plans is October 15–December 7.

During this time, you should:

  1. Consider costs, coverage, and provider choice.
  2. Find the best plan for you.
  3. To explore more information, visit Medicare.gov or the Medicare Plan Finder at: Medicare.gov/plan-compare.
  4. Or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227): You can say “Agent” at any time to talk to a customer service representative; Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Support is offered in over 250 languages.

The Medicare.gov website allows users to compare Medicare health and drug plan options including:

  • Medicare Advantage Plans
  • Medicare drug plans
  • Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policies

In addition, Medicare.gov/plan-compare provides detailed information on coverage, costs, and benefits of different plan options in your area based on your prescriptions.

There is also a website: https://www.shiphelp.org/, which provides free health insurance counseling programs for people with Medicare and their families. The website is funded through federal grants to states. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).


Inflation Reduction Act

If you have Medicare and take insulin (about 3 million people):

  • You will pay no more than $35 for a one-month supply of each covered insulin
    For Medicare drug plans (Medicare Part D), the change is effective January 1, 2023
  • For Medicare Part B (if you’re medically required to take insulin through a pump that’s considered durable medical equipment (DME)), the change is effective July 1, 2023
  • You won’t have to pay a deductible (if your plan has one) with respect to the covered insulin

People with Medicare who take insulin are encouraged to get help when comparing plans this Open Enrollment Period. Call 1-800 MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)


The Health Insurance Marketplace
In the federally-facilitated Marketplace, the Open Enrollment Period is November 1 – January 15

In most cases, coverage can begin as soon as January 1, if you enroll by December 15.

Through a single application, you can apply for:

Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
A Marketplace plan.
Premium tax credits (which can reduce what you pay for a Marketplace plan)
Cost-sharing reductions (which are discounts that lower your out-of-pocket costs for deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments).
You can apply online, by phone, by mail, or in person
Once eligibility is determined, you be able to enroll immediately in most cases.

Marketplace Call Center:
Helps you in federally-facilitated Marketplaces (FFMs) and State-based Marketplaces (SPMs):

  • 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325)
  • Customer service representatives are available 24/7
  • Help with eligibility, enrollment, and referrals
  • Assistance in English and Spanish
  • Oral interpretations in 240+ additional languages

You can apply for Marketplace coverage through:

  • HealthCare.gov (English) and CuidadoDeSalud.gov (Spanish)
  • Directly through some Marketplace plan issuers
  • The Marketplace Call Center
  • Marketplace enrollment assisters
  • Marketplace-registered agents and brokers, or web-broker sites
  • Paper application