Do I need to re-enroll in Medicare every year?
The short answer
No, you do not re-enroll in Medicare every year. Once you are enrolled, your coverage continues automatically unless you choose to make a change.
The full explanation
Medicare does not expire at the end of the year. Once you are enrolled in Part A and Part B, you stay enrolled. You do not need to do anything to keep your coverage active.What does happen every year is an Open Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 through December 7. During that window, you have the option to review and change your Medicare Advantage plan or your Part D drug plan (prescription drug coverage). But reviewing your options is a choice, not a requirement. If you are happy with your current coverage and do nothing, your plan simply renews for the next year.That said, it is genuinely worth taking a look each fall. Plans can change their premiums, the drugs they cover, their provider networks, and their out-of-pocket costs from one year to the next. A plan that worked well for you this year might not be the right fit next year if your medications or health needs have shifted. Spending 20 minutes comparing your options each October is a habit that can save real money. A licensed broker or your local SHIP counselor can help you do that comparison at no cost.
Related Medicare Resources
In
specifically
Utah's SHIP program is run through the Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC). They offer free, unbiased help reviewing your plan options each fall. You can reach them through the Utah ADRC network if you want a second set of eyes before the December 7 deadline.
What this means for you
For you, this means your Medicare coverage carries over automatically each year, but it is still smart to review your drug and Advantage plan options every fall to make sure your coverage still fits your needs.
Related Questions
What is the Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare?
What should I review about my Medicare plan every fall?
What dates are Medicare Annual Enrollment and what can I change?
What should I review every year so Medicare does not surprise me?
