Each fall people with Medicare receive many items in the mail. Some of these are marketing materials from Medicare health and drug plans. But other materials may be important notices about a person's coverage, especially if the beneficiary receives help paying for their Medicare prescription coverage through the Part D Extra Help benefit.

This guide provides an overview of mailings and key events associated with the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 - Dec. 7) for Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans.

This guide is intended for counselors working with clients to assess their coverage options in the coming year. It explains in detail when mailings are sent, what color paper/envelope they are printed on, and what actions your clients need to take in response, if any. The guide also outlines key events associated with Medicare enrollment.