The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is from Oct. 15–Dec. 7. This is the time of year to make your decisions for 2026. When you make a Medicare plan selection during the Annual Enrollment Period, your new coverage will begin on Jan. 1, 2026.

*Benefits listed not offered on all plans.

Medicare Resources

With hundreds of Medicare insurance plans that may change benefits or premiums each year, it is more complicated than ever to find Medicare insurance that matches your personal needs, preferences, and budget. Below are several resources you can use to help.

View a list of Ochsner Health accepted insurances.

MedicareOnDemand Services

Offered by MedicareCompareUSA, MedicareOnDemand is a licensed insurance agency that can help you compare or choose a Medicare plan that’s right for you. Available at no cost and with no obligation to buy, visit MedicareOnDemand.com/Ochsner or call toll-free at 855-673-4217, TTY 711 (Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-7 p.m.) to speak with a licensed insurance agent.

Compare and Enroll in Medicare Plans. Use the Medicare Plan Quote Tool to compare and enroll in local, regional, and national Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Medicare Prescription plans.
Speak with a Licensed Agent. Licensed insurance agents are available by phone and personal appointment.
Medicare Orientation and Education. Optional Medicare Orientation is available for patients new to Medicare, and the Medicare Education Center is always available to brush up on Medicare information.
Annual Medicare Plan Review. Review your Medicare coverage and insurance options with a licensed insurance agent each year during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period.

Medicare.gov

The official U.S. government site for Medicare enables you to sign up or change plans, learn about Medicare coverage choices and more. Call 1-800-MEDICARE to reach Medicare by phone.

Social Security Administration

The United States Social Security Administration is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government that administers Social Security, a social insurance program consisting of retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. Call 1-800-772-1213 to reach Social Security by phone.

MedicareOnDemand is a non-government platform provided by the MCUSA Holding family of companies including: MedicareCompareUSA, MCUSA Insurance Services, MCUSA Insurance Center, Fairhaven Insurance Solutions, and Insurance Helpline Services. All MCUSA Holding insurance agencies are independent and not affiliated with the federal Medicare program. All services are provided at no cost and without obligation; MedicareOnDemand and their affiliated agents are paid directly by the Medicare plan when enrollment occurs. Healthcare providers receive no financial benefit when using the service. They do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently they represent 6 organizations which offer 24 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options. MULTIPLAN_MCUSA_4007_ProvMedWeb_C

What is a Medicare Advantage plan?

Also known as Part C, Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies and include Part A and Part B coverage. A Medicare Advantage plan can also provide more benefits* than traditional Medicare, including:

Lower copays
Preventive coverage
Prescription drug coverage
No deductibles
Gym membership to Ochsner Fitness Center at no additional cost
Coverage when traveling in the U.S. and overseas

Which Medicare Advantage plans does Ochsner Clinic accept in Louisiana?

Ochsner Clinic accepts four health plans that offer several Medicare Advantage plans in Louisiana:

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana
Humana
Lagniappe ISNP
Peoples Health, A United Healthcare Company

In addition to the plans accepted by Ochsner, Ochsner Lafayette General also accepts Medicare Advantage plans provided by the following*:

Aetna Health, Inc.
Lagniappe ISNP
Peoples Health, a United Healthcare Company
United Healthcare
Wellcare of Louisiana

*Humana Medicare Advantage is accepted at Ochsner facilities in Lafayette except for University Hospital & Clinics.

Patients with traditional Medicare and Medicare supplement plans can also receive care at Ochsner.

See a list of all accepted insurances at each Ochsner facility in Louisiana.

Which Medicare Advantage plans does Ochsner Clinic accept in Mississippi?

Ochsner Mississippi and Ochsner Medical Center – Hancock accept the following health plans that offer several Medicare Advantage plans in Mississippi:

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi
HealthSpring
Devoted
Humana
Lagniappe ISNP
Primewell
Wellcare of Mississippi

In addition to the Mississippi plans accepted by Ochsner listed above, Ochsner Rush also accepts Medicare Advantage plans provided by the following:

Lagniappe ISNP
Select Health Plans (Simpra Medicare Advantage)
United Healthcare

Patients with traditional Medicare and Medicare supplement plans can also receive care at Ochsner.

See a list of all accepted insurances at each Ochsner facility in Mississippi and Alabama.

I'm new to Medicare. What should I know?

To enroll in Medicare, you may need to contact Social Security directly. It’s recommended you do this before your 65th birthday to avoid lapse in coverage and avoid any penalties for signing up late. You should receive a packet in the mail from Medicare before you turn 65. You have the option to enroll online, in person at the Social Security office, or by calling 800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

You have a 7-month window around your 65th birthday to enroll; this is called your initial enrollment period. After that, you can still enroll in Medicare, but may need to wait for a designated special/annual election period to do so based on life events such as moving, loss of coverage or opportunity to get other coverage.

Physician Checking Patient's blood pressure

COVERAGE

Does Medicare Advantage cover screenings and preventive care?
Yes. A Medicare Advantage plan focuses on preventing disease and keeping you healthy with preventive care. Ochsner shares this focus. We offer a wide range of primary medical care and health screenings.

Are prescription drugs covered?
While original Medicare covers a limited number of medications, many Medicare Advantage plans offer prescription drug coverage.

Is a gym membership included?
Many Medicare Advantage plans offer gym memberships or fitness programs as part of their benefits package at no additional cost, while original Medicare does not.

Will my plan cover me when I travel?
Medicare Advantage plans can provide coverage when traveling overseas to fill the gap in coverage by original Medicare. In most cases, original Medicare only covers you when traveling within the United States and its territories.

OCHSNER ADVANTAGE

Why should I choose an Ochsner accepted plan?
As the largest health system in the region, Ochsner gives you access to a network of expert providers in over 90 specialties, and our numerous convenient locations ensure you’ll find one close to home. Plus, all Ochsner doctors will be considered in network.

When you receive all your care at Ochsner, you can trust that your team is working from a single medical record to understand your needs. This coordinated system of care gives our physicians 24/7 access to your complete medical history, meaning fewer duplication of tests and lower healthcare costs for you.

ENROLLMENT

When can I enroll in a plan?
The initial Medicare enrollment period lasts seven months. You can sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan three months before you turn 65, the month of your 65th birthday and for three months after you turn 65.