What should Myra do to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan if she has previously enrolled in Original Medicare?

In order for Myra to enroll in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan after previously being enrolled in Original Medicare, waiting for the annual election period is the appropriate step. The annual election period, which usually occurs from October 15 to December 7 each year, allows beneficiaries to make changes to their Medicare coverage.

During this period, individuals like Myra can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage plans, enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan, or make changes to their existing Medicare Advantage plan. It is specifically designed to facilitate such transitions, providing a clear timeline for beneficiaries to evaluate their healthcare needs and options for the upcoming year.

This option aligns with Medicare’s structured enrollment timelines, ensuring that beneficiaries can make informed choices about their coverage without facing penalties or gaps in care, which could occur if they were to try switching plans outside of designated enrollment periods. Thus, it is essential for beneficiaries to be aware of these timelines to maintain their healthcare coverage effectively.