When Can You Change Your Medicare Plan?
You can't change your Medicare plan anytime you want. Medicare has specific enrollment windows designed to give you regular opportunities to review and adjust your coverage.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7
This is the main window for changes. You can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare, join or switch Part D drug plans, or drop Medicare Advantage entirely. Changes take effect January 1.
Open Enrollment Period (OEP): January 1 – March 31
If you're already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can make ONE change during this period — switch to a different MA plan or drop MA to return to Original Medicare. You cannot use OEP to join MA for the first time.
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)
Certain life events qualify you to change plans outside the standard windows. Common triggers include moving to a new area, losing employer coverage, gaining or losing Medicaid, or your plan leaving your area. See the full list of qualifying events.
Signs It's Time to Switch Plans
- Your premium went up — even a $20/month increase is $240/year
- Your drug costs changed — medications moved to a higher tier
- Your doctor left the network— you'll pay more or need a new doctor
- Your health changed — new diagnosis may qualify you for a C-SNP plan with specialized care
- You gained Medicaid — D-SNP plans offer $0 copays and extra benefits
- Better options are available — new plans enter your area every year
How to Switch Plans — Step by Step
- Review your ANOC letter (arrives in September) — it lists all changes to your current plan for next year
- List your priorities — medications, doctors, monthly budget, extra benefits you want
- Compare plans — use our plan comparison tool or visit an agent at your pharmacy
- Verify your doctors— make sure your providers are in the new plan's network
- Check your drugs — confirm your medications are covered and what the copays will be
- Enroll — submit your enrollment during AEP (Oct 15 - Dec 7). A licensed agent can handle the paperwork.
What Happens After You Switch
Your new plan starts January 1 (for AEP enrollments). Your old plan automatically ends December 31. There is no gap in coverage. Your new insurance card will arrive in December. Fill your last prescriptions under the old plan before December 31.
Get Free Help Comparing Plans
Licensed Medicare agents at Walgreens, Kroger, and Walmart can compare your current plan against all available options in your area — for free. They'll check your drugs, verify your doctors, and help you enroll if you find something better.