The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) is an important opportunity for Medicare beneficiaries to adjust their coverage, especially as providers like UCSD Medical and Scripps hospitals in San Diego change their Medicare plan acceptance policies. If you’re impacted by these changes, this enrollment period is your chance to find a plan that works for your healthcare needs.
What is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 to March 31 each year. This period is specifically for those who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan as of January 1. During this time, you have the following options:
- Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan. If your current plan’s network, coverage, or costs don’t suit your needs, you can explore other options.
- Drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare. However, it’s important to note that returning to Original Medicare means you’ll only have 80% of your medical costs covered, leaving you responsible for the remaining 20%. Without additional coverage like a Medicare Supplement plan, these out-of-pocket costs can add up with larger medical bills.
This enrollment window is an opportunity to evaluate your healthcare plan and make changes to ensure you have the coverage that best meets your needs.
UCSD Medical: No Longer Accepting Many Medicare Advantage Plans
In 2025, UCSD Medical in San Diego will no longer accept a wide range of Medicare Advantage plans. This adjustment has left many Medicare beneficiaries unable to see their preferred doctors or receive care at UCSD facilities. If this impacts you, it’s critical to use the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period to find a plan that still works for your healthcare goals.
There are still many Advantage plans with access to UCSD. HealthyMarks Medicare can help you navigate this process by finding a Medicare Advantage plan that offers strong coverage and access to providers that are still in-network. Don’t wait—this is your opportunity to ensure uninterrupted care.
Scripps Hospitals: Supplement Plans Only
Meanwhile, Scripps hospitals and clinics have already moved to accept Medicare Supplement plans only as of January 2024. This means Medicare Advantage plans are no longer accepted, regardless of whether they’re HMO or PPO plans.
It’s important to note that the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period does not allow you to switch to a Medicare Supplement plan. If accessing care through Scripps is a priority, you may need to explore other options outside of this enrollment period to determine your eligibility for a Supplement plan.
Even if Scripps is no longer available to you, HealthyMarks Medicare can still help you find an excellent Medicare Advantage plan that provides access to quality providers and meets your healthcare needs. If your current plan no longer provides access to Scripps, now is the time to explore alternative options that align with your healthcare needs and provider preferences.
HealthyMarks Medicare Can Help
Navigating Medicare changes, especially at major providers like UCSD and Scripps, can feel challenging, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. At HealthyMarks Medicare, we specialize in helping you find the right plan for your needs. Whether you’ve lost access to UCSD, need a solution beyond Scripps, or want better coverage overall, we’re here to help.
Get Started Today
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 to March 31, 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to switch plans and get the coverage you need. Contact HealthyMarks Medicare for a free consultation—we’ll help you review your options, compare plans, and find one that meets your needs.
Reach out to HealthyMarks Medicare today to secure your healthcare coverage for 2025.
Keaton Marks is the owner and CEO at HealthyMarks including the medicare team. Keaton was born and raised in Encinitas. He often rode his bike through town and to the local beaches like Moonlight. Keaton knows it is important to have a local resource, someone who understands the area, the hospitals and networks of doctors. Keaton is proud to be a local Medicare broker who is able to assist the people in his town when selecting medicare plans.
Keaton believes one thing above all else: “Medicare is confusing… but it doesn’t have to be! That is where HealthyMarks Medicare comes in” Please contact me with any questions.