What's the difference between AEP and the Advantage Open Enrollment Period?

AEP (Oct 15–Dec 7) is when anyone can make changes for January 1. The Advantage OEP (Jan 1–Mar 31) is a second chance specifically for people already on an Advantage plan to switch once. Original Medicare users don't use the OEP.

What happens if I miss my Initial Enrollment Period?

You may pay a lifelong Part B and/or Part D late penalty and could have to wait for the General Enrollment Period (Jan 1–Mar 31), with coverage starting July 1. Because the penalty is permanent, it's worth getting the timing right the first time.

Do I need to sign up for Part A if I'm still working?

Part A is free for most people, so there's usually no downside — with one exception: if you're contributing to an HSA, enrolling in Part A ends your ability to contribute. If you have an HSA, talk to us before enrolling.

How do I know if my employer coverage is "creditable"?

Your employer's HR or benefits team can confirm it. Creditable coverage must be at least as good as Medicare's standard coverage — and it's what lets you delay Part B without a penalty.

Are you connected to Medicare or the government?

No. Mere Benefits is a private, independent agency and is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. We don't offer every plan available in your area — to review all your options, contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.

How much does it cost to work with Mere Benefits?

Nothing extra. Plan prices are set by the carriers and are identical whether you enroll on your own or with a licensed agent — we're paid by the carriers, so our guidance is free to you.

How do I get started?

Call or text (904) 654-5450, email info@merebenefits.com, or use our contact form. We'll set up a relaxed, no-pressure conversation — in person on the First Coast, or by phone and video.

Are you independent, or tied to one insurance company?

Independent. We aren't captive to a single insurer, so we compare the options across the carriers we represent and recommend what fits you — not what pays us most.

Will I have to change doctors?

Not if we can help it. Before recommending a plan we confirm your doctors are in-network and your prescriptions are covered, so keeping your care is part of the decision.

Can you help by phone and video, or only in person?

Both. We meet clients in person across Northeast Florida and Camden County, GA, and serve all 11 of our licensed states by phone and video.

Medicare Enrollment Periods & Deadlines

Name: Mere Benefits
Address: 9428 Baymeadows Rd. STE 137, Jacksonville, FL, 32256, US
Telephone: (904) 654-5450
Price range: Free consultation

The four enrollment windows

Almost every Medicare timing question comes back to one of these four windows:

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) — the 7 months around your 65th birthday (the 3 months before your birth month, the month itself, and the 3 months after). This is the most important window; missing it can mean lifelong late penalties.
Annual Election Period (AEP) — October 15 to December 7. Switch Advantage plans, return to Original Medicare, or join/change a Part D plan. Changes take effect January 1.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (OEP) — January 1 to March 31. If you're already on an Advantage plan, you can switch to another MA plan or return to Original Medicare + Part D once.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP) — triggered by qualifying life events (losing employer coverage, moving, gaining Medicaid, and more), letting you change outside the normal calendar without penalty.

The annual window everyone should use

From October 15 to December 7, anyone on Medicare can change Advantage and Part D plans for the coming year. Even if you're happy, this is the time to have your plan re-checked — drug formularies, premiums, and networks change every year, and last year's best plan may not be this year's.

How to enroll

When it's time to sign up for Parts A & B, you have a few options:

Online at SSA.gov — apply for Medicare Parts A & B
By phone — Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
In person — at your local Social Security office
With Mere Benefits — free guidance so the timing and paperwork are done right

The late-enrollment penalty

If you don't sign up for Part B when first eligible and don't have qualifying employer coverage, Medicare can add a 10% premium penalty for each 12-month period you could have had Part B but didn't — and it's permanent. Part D has its own penalty for going without creditable drug coverage. Because both are lifelong, getting the timing right the first time matters.

Life events open special windows

Moving, losing employer coverage, qualifying for Extra Help, or entering a nursing facility can each open a Special Enrollment Period that lets you change plans outside the normal calendar. If your life changed, ask — you may have options you don't realize.