Medicare OEP
Medicare's OEP or "Open Enrollment Period" runs from January 1st through March 31st of every year. This Medicare season is specifically for Medicare Advantage plan beneficiaries to utilize. During this time frame an Advantage plan enrollee is allowed one plan change to another Advantage plan that may better fit their needs, or they can revert back to Original Medicare (A & B) and pick up a prescription drug plan. This period basically is for the beneficiaries who did not review their plan benefits for the upcoming year during AEP, find out that they do not like the benefit changes and wish to make a change.
Medicare Agent Do's & Dont's of OEP
Dont's:
- Do not market or solicit business marketing the OEP season and the ability to make changes.
- Do not target a list of leads or clients who enrolled during the AEP season.
- Avoid use of marketing materials highlighting the ability to make plan changes during OEP.
Do's:
- If the beneficiary requests information regarding OEP it is then okay to provide them with such materials.
- T-65 marketing of Medicare options is absolutely on the table and should be done.
- Marketing of 5-star plans within the specific sales area is always acceptable.
- An agent is able to provide information to those who qualify for Medicaid or a level of LIS, as they are able to make a plan change once per quarter for the first three quarters of the calendar year.
