When Can I Change My Medicare Plan?

Most people make Medicare plan changes during the Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. During this window you can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, move between Medicare Advantage plans, join or drop a Part D prescription drug plan, or return to Original Medicare. Changes take effect January 1.

If you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you have an additional opportunity from January 1 to March 31, called the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. During this time you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare and add a drug plan.

Special Enrollment Periods allow changes outside these windows when you have a qualifying event, such as moving out of your plan's service area, losing other coverage, or qualifying for assistance programs. Because the timing and rules can be detailed, a licensed Medicare advisor can review your situation and confirm which enrollment period applies to you before you make a change.

Keep in mind that switching plans can affect your doctors, drug coverage, and costs, so it is worth comparing carefully rather than changing on impulse. Before you make a switch, confirm that your providers are in the new plan's network and that your prescriptions are covered. Taking a little time to review your options helps ensure any change actually improves your coverage rather than creating new gaps.