If you had a healthcare policy through your employer or union, you might be used to re-enrolling each year. And when you become eligible for Medicare, you’ll notice some similarities between Medicare and your previous health insurance.

But Medicare can differ in some fundamental ways, including the enrollment process. Does Medicare automatically renew every year? Let’s dive deeper into how the Medicare renewal process works.

Does Medicare expire? 

The good news is that Medicare does not expire! Once you enroll in Medicare, Medicare does automatically renew each year. If you are happy with your plan and do not want to make any changes, you can leave things alone.  

However, you may see a lot of material and warnings about the Open Enrollment Period (OEP). Many people think this means that they must re-enroll or risk losing coverage. That is not usually true. But the Open Enrollment Period is an excellent opportunity to look at your current plan and coverage. Your plan or your health may have changed.  

Keep in mind that you must continue to pay your premiums each month. If you do not pay the premiums, your insurer can cancel your plan and coverage. Then, you would have to find a new plan. 

Can Medicare cancel my plan?  

Medicare works with private insurers to provide healthcare coverage through a range of Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans and Medicare Advantage (Part C) providers. Sometimes a provider might stop offering a specific Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan or even choose to terminate its contract with Medicare altogether. When this happens, Medicare recipients usually qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, which gives them time to enroll in another plan. 

Does my Medicare card expire?  

While you can participate in auto-enrollment each year if you are happy with your Medicare coverage, you do need to pay attention to your Medicare card. It does not expire, but you want to keep it in a safe place and update it if your information changes. Everyone who enrolls in Medicare receives a Medicare card with important information on it. The red, white, and blue card include your Medicare number, the date your Medicare begins, and information about your Part A and Part B coverage. Most people are automatically re-enrolled in Medicare and also receive a new card without having to do anything. Your Medicare card can expire if your plan ends; otherwise, it does not expire.  

Do I have to re-enroll in Medicare every year? 

If you have Original Medicare and are paying your premiums, you will not have to re-enroll in Medicare every year. But If you have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage, you may need to change plans if your current plan ends or if you move. But once you sign up for Medicare, you will continue to have it for as long as you receive Social Security benefits. 

Do I have to renew my Medicare Supplement plan every year? 

If you are happy with your Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, you will not need to renew it yearly — it will automatically renew in most cases. In fact, so long as you pay your premium, your Medigap plan is guaranteed renewable. There are several Medicare Supplement plans that are no longer available to purchase for new Medicare recipients but continue to be available for people who may have bought them many years ago. 

Sometimes, the insurer providing your Medicare Supplement plan can go bankrupt or may no longer work with Medicare, meaning you will have to look for a new insurer. If this happens, you are protected with guaranteed issue rights, and you can enroll in another plan. With guaranteed issue rights, the new insurer cannot consider your pre-existing conditions.  

One thing to remember is that although you do not have to re-enroll in Medigap plans each year, your premiums may increase.  

Do seniors have to enroll in Medicare Advantage every year? 

The good news is that Medicare Advantage plans will automatically renew each year unless your insurer discontinues the plan or stops working with Medicare. Although Medicare recipients will hear a lot about Open Enrollment or the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7 each year, they will not have to make any changes to their plans unless they are considering moving to another plan.  

However, your plan is required to send you an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) each year. This set of documents will inform you of any changes to your plan benefits, price changes, and any other pertinent information that will begin in January of the following year. The Annual Notice can help you to ensure you are not surprised by any changes to your plans and have the information you need to decide if you need to change to another plan or provider during the Annual Enrollment Period. Your insurer should send you the ANOC by October. If you do not receive yours, call your insurer. 

Although you do not usually need to re-enroll or renew your Medicare, it is essential to check in regularly. Your plan may change, and your health needs may change. Reviewing your plan materials and staying up-to-date helps ensure you get the best care for your needs. 

Questions about Medicare?

Shoot us an email at medicare@hihella.com.