From 1987 through November 14, 2005, Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in managed care
plans were able to disenroll from those plans at Social Security field offices (FOs).
The Sixth Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act passed in 1986 included this provision
to allow Medicare beneficiaries the opportunity to go to a “neutral” third party to
disenroll from Managed Care Plans. Beneficiaries could also disenroll directly from
the plans during that timeframe. (Refer to HI 00208.069B.)
Beginning November 15, 2005, these disenrollments are handled by 1-800-MEDICARE, not
SSA. In addition, 1-800-MEDICARE is able to accept enrollment requests for Medicare
prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans offering Medicare prescription
drug coverage. Individuals may submit enrollment requests through the new CMS Online
Enrollment Center as well. In addition, 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048) serves
as a centralized resource to provide individuals information on Medicare health plan
options, based on the needs of the beneficiary.
Beginning November 15, 2005, SSA representatives cannot input or transmit Medicare
managed care disenrollment requests into the SSA system, i.e. via the Post Entitlement
System (POS) and TC 24015.040.