What should an individual do if they want to switch to a 5 star plan after December 5?

The most appropriate action for an individual looking to switch to a 5-star plan after December 5 is to utilize the annual enrollment period. The annual enrollment period, which typically occurs from October 15 to December 7 each year, is the primary time when beneficiaries can change their Medicare health or drug plan. However, 5-star plans offer unique flexibility.

5-star plans are distinguished because they are recognized for high-quality performance. If a beneficiary is enrolled in a Medicare plan and sees a 5-star plan that they would prefer, they can switch at any time during the year, but they would need to wait until the next annual enrollment period to make a change if they miss the special opportunity provided by the performance rating.

Therefore, while there may be options for special circumstances, using the annual enrollment period to make changes is the standard for anyone not switching prior to December 5. It’s important to understand when to utilize these periods to ensure that choices in coverage are made when available, as each enrollment period has specific parameters and offerings that align with beneficiary needs.