Couple smiling at home

Medicare resources & enrollment information

We're here with support and resources as you review and compare Medicare plan options for 2025. Make your choice Oct. 15-Dec. 7.

Get the guide
Couple smiling at home

Medicare resources & enrollment information

We're here with support and resources as you review and compare Medicare plan options for 2025. Make your choice Oct. 15-Dec. 7.

Get the guide

Choose a Medicare plan that helps you feel your best

Your health care coverage is an important part of your overall wellness. That’s why Aurora Health Care offers easy ways to help you understand and choose the Medicare plan that’s best for you. And while Medicare plans and your options may change each year, we continue to accept original Medicare, Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans and Medicare Advantage plans.

We provide resources to help you understand the available options that best meet your health and wellness needs. View our Medicare Options Guidebook [PDF] to learn more about your options and Medicare basics.

Key dates for Medicare open enrollment

Open enrollment begins

October 15

Open enrollment ends

December 7

Coverage begins

January 1

The Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Period also referred to as the Annual Election Period (AEP) runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year. Individuals who are already enrolled in Medicare can make several changes to their coverage during this time. Changes made during AEP take effect Jan. 1 of the following year.

What choices and changes can be made during AEP?

  • You can switch from current Part D plan to new Part D plan.
  • You can enroll or opt out of Part D coverage entirely.
  • You can switch from a current Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan to a new Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan.
  • You can switch from current Original Medicare (Part A & B) to Medicare Advantage (Part C).
  • You can switch from current Medicare Advantage (Part C) to Original Medicare (Part A & B).

Plans that include Aurora providers

  • Original Medicare
  • Medigap (Medicare Supplement)
  • Aetna Medicare Advantage
  • Anthem
  • HealthPartners
  • Humana
  • iCare (DSNP)
  • Managed Health Services (DSNP)
  • Molina Healthcare
  • Quartz – in partnership with Aurora Health Care
  • UnitedHealthcare
Quartz and Aurora logo

  
Learn more

To learn more about Quartz call 888-694-9448, TTY 711. For a complete listing of plans, visit Medicare.gov or call 800-Medicare. TTY users can call 877-486-2048.

Benefits vary by plan. Check with your specific health plan to verify your doctors are in network.

Review Medicare plans and get answers to your questions

Comparing Medicare plans could result in cost savings or expanded benefits. And if you’re currently enrolled in Medicare, the benefits covered by your plan might have changed.

When choosing a Medicare plan or reviewing your Medicare options, some things to consider include:

  • Have my health or prescription needs changed?
  • Are there plans that can reduce my out-of-pocket costs?
  • Can I find a plan offering more coverage?

Meet with a local licensed independent insurance agent

Meet or call a local licensed independent HealthMarkets insurance agent to discuss plan options. There is no fee or obligation to enroll.

Call 844-968-3083, TTY 711.

Why choose Aurora?

You deserve exceptional care – such as more choices and locations for primary and specialty care. When you choose a health insurance plan that includes Aurora, you’ll be able to count on extended hours (evening and Saturday appointments) plus Quick Care Video Visits and e-visits for your convenience. We’re using the latest technologies to expand your access to health care.

Benefits like our LiveWell app and website allow you to easily schedule appointments, view test results and other health information, and even pay your bills online – anytime, anywhere.

Aurora Health Care is part of Advocate Health, the third-largest nonprofit integrated health system in the U.S. We’re redefining the standard for care with world-class doctors and caregivers, innovative solutions, outstanding outcomes, and leading-edge research and clinical trials.

Understanding Medicare

Medicare is a federal government program that offers health insurance to individuals who are:

  • Age 65 and older
  • Under age 65, disabled and on Social Security for 24 months
  • Any age with end-stage renal disease or ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)

Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans

There are two main ways you can obtain Medicare coverage:

  • Original Medicare: This plan includes Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). You also can add Part D (prescription drug coverage) and Medigap (Medicare Supplement) insurance.
  • Medicare Advantage: Similar to an employer’s HMO or PPO, these bundled plans include Medicare Part A and B and usually Part D as well as additional benefits Original Medicare doesn’t cover. Some Medicare Advantage plans may have lower out-of-pocket costs than Original Medicare.

For a complete list of Medicare plans, visit medicare.gov/plan-compare.

Enrollment periods at a glance

Initial enrollment period

The initial enrollment period is a seven-month period that includes three months before you turn 65, your birthday month and three months after you turn 65.

Medicare Open Enrollment

Medicare Open Enrollment, also known as Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP), happens every fall from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. During this time, you can join, drop or change Medicare coverage. The plan coverage you choose during AEP starts on Jan. 1 of the following year.

Medicare Advantage open enrollment

This one-time change takes place between Jan. 1 and March 31. You must already be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan on Jan. 1. During this time, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan with or without drug coverage, or return to Original Medicare and enroll in Part D. You can't switch from one prescription drug plan to another. There's no guaranteed issue right for Medigap (Medicare Supplement).

General enrollment period

There is a three-month window from Jan. 1 through March 31 annually where you can enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B for the first time if you missed signing up when you were first eligible, and you are not eligible for a special enrollment period. You may be subject to late penalties.

Individuals can sign up for Medicare Advantage (Part C) from April 1 through June 30. Coverage begins July 1.

Special enrollment period

In some cases, you may be able to enroll in or switch to a plan outside of the initial enrollment period. This includes changes in your life situation, such as:

  • You retire and leave a health care plan through your employer or union
  • You move out of your current health plan’s service area

When you enroll will determine when your coverage begins. To determine your eligibility and for more information on enrollment periods, visit medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans.

Additional resources

National

Visit these resources for more information on Medicare or other related services and programs:

If you are in a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare drug plan, call the Medicare Drug Integrity Contractor (MEDIC) at 877-772-3379 if you suspect fraud.

Wisconsin

Health news you can use about Medicare

couple in kitchen viewing laptop
Medicare 101: What’s the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?
Couple reviewing options on laptop
It’s Medicare Annual Open Enrollment. Here’s what you need to know.

This website does not solicit or otherwise advertise insurance but is intended for your educational purposes only. Aurora Health Care is not a licensed health insurance agency. Aurora Health Care, Quartz and HealthMarkets are all independent entities. aurorahealth.com/medicare is a nongovernment website operated by Aurora Health Care and is not affiliated or connected with Medicare or any other government program or agency.