Changing Medicare plans
Can I change my Medicare plan?
Yes. Anyone who is eligible for Medicare can make coverage changes during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) from October 15 to December 7 each year. Those changes will take effect on January 1 the following year.
Why switch Medicare plans?
Coverage and costs change from year to year. Your health care or budget needs might change, too.
If you have a Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plan, you will receive an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) every fall that explains any changes in the plan’s benefit coverage, costs, or service area for the next plan year. If those changes make you think another plan might be a better fit, consider switching plans the next time you can.
Download your Medicare plan review worksheet
If you’re considering a change in your Medicare coverage, use this Medicare plan review worksheet to start evaluating your options.
When can I change Medicare plans?
You can make changes to your Medicare coverage during a few key times.
- The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) from October 15 to December 7
- The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) from January 1 to March 31
- A Medicare Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for qualifying life events; dates vary based on qualifying event
Changing coverage during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. During this time, you can make changes to your Medicare coverage without penalty. You may choose to join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plan. You can also choose to keep your existing coverage.
During the Annual Enrollment Period, you can:
- Enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
- Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or standalone Part D prescription drug plan
- Add a standalone Part D plan if your Medicare Advantage plan does not include prescription drug coverage
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan
If you do this, you may be able to drop standalone Part D coverage as most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage
- Drop a Medicare Advantage plan and go back to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)
If you do this and your Medicare Advantage plan included drug coverage, you may also want to get a Part D prescription drug plan
What if I don’t want to change my Medicare coverage?
If you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you should receive an “Annual Notice of Change” and “Evidence of Coverage” each year. These will tell you about any changes for the plan in the coming year. If the plan still fits your needs, you don’t have to do anything. Your enrollment should renew automatically.
Changing coverage during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
(MA OEP)
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) is for current Medicare Advantage plan members. It runs from January 1 to March 31.
During the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, you can:
- Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan
- Drop your Medicare Advantage plan and go back to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)
If you return to Original Medicare, you can also apply for a Medicare Supplement insurance (Medigap) plan, though you are not guaranteed coverage and could face higher costs
If you go back to Original Medicare, you can also enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
Changing coverage during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan or Part D prescription drug plan and have a “qualifying life event” you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period that lets you switch to a different Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plan.
Examples of qualifying life events:
- You move out of your plan’s service area, such as to a different state
- Your plan closes, stops serving the area where you live, significantly reduces its provider network or your plan consistently receives low Medicare star ratings
- You want to enroll in a 5-star plan at any time or drop your first Medicare Advantage plan within 12 months of enrolling
- You move into or out of a qualified institutional facility, like a nursing home
- You are enrolled in or lose eligibility for a qualified State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program
- You have Medicare financial assistance such as Medicaid, a Medicare savings program or Extra Help, or you gain or lose eligibility for any of these
- You enroll in or leave the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
- You gain or lose eligibility for a Special Needs plan
Some situations not listed here may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period as well. If you have questions about your personal situation, call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program for help.
During a Special Enrollment Period, you can:
- Switch to a new Medicare Advantage or Part D plan
- Drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare
If you return to Original Medicare, you can also enroll in a standalone Part D plan and/or apply for a Medicare Supplement insurance plan
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