You can change your Part D prescription drug plan once a year during the annual open enrollment period, which runs from October 15 to December 7
Medicare Part D plans change their drug formularies, costs, and pharmacy networks every year. If your current plan no longer covers the medications you take, or if your costs have risen, you have a window to switch. The annual open enrollment period is your main opportunity — you pick a new plan, and it takes effect on January 1 of the following year.
You can also change plans outside this window if you experience a may have access to life event, such as losing employer coverage, moving to a different state, or becoming newly may be able to access for Medicare. Some people also may have access to for a Special Enrollment Period if they are receiving Extra Help (a program that subsidizes Part D costs for people with limited income).
Key Takeaways
- Annual open enrollment runs October 15 through December 7 each year, and any plan change you make takes effect January 1.
- You can compare plans on Medicare.gov using your current medications, or call 1-800-MEDICARE to speak with someone who can help you search.
- If you miss the important date and do not have a may have access to life event, you cannot change plans until the next October, so mark the dates on your calendar.
- Switching plans requires you to actively choose a new one — your current plan does not automatically renew, but you are not automatically switched either.
- If you receive Extra Help, you have a separate enrollment period from October 1 to December 7 and may have different plan options available.
How to find and compare Part D plans
Start by gathering your current medications, including the dose and how often you take each one. You will need this list to see which plans cover your drugs and at what cost. Go to Medicare.gov and select "Find care providers and suppliers" or use the Plan Finder tool directly. Enter your medications, and the tool will show you plans available in your area, ranked by estimated yearly costs.
The Plan Finder shows you the monthly premium, what you pay at the pharmacy for each drug (copay or coinsurance), and whether your preferred pharmacies are in the plan's network. Pay attention to the tier structure — drugs are grouped into tiers, and your out-of-pocket cost depends on which tier your medication is on. A plan with a lower premium might have higher copays for your specific drugs, so compare total estimated costs, not just the premium.
If you do not have internet access or prefer to talk through your options, call 1-800-MEDICARE. A counselor can walk you through the comparison and answer questions about coverage, costs, and pharmacy networks. This service is free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
When you can change your plan outside open enrollment
If you experience certain life changes, you may be able to switch plans at other times of year. These may have access to events include losing health coverage (such as employer coverage or TRICARE), moving to a different state or ZIP code, becoming newly may be able to access for Medicare, or having a change in your Extra Help status. You typically have 60 days from the date of the event to make a change.
If you are in a long-term care facility, you can change plans once per calendar month. If you are receiving hospice care, you can make changes at any time. Document the reason for your change — you may need to provide proof when you switch, such as a letter showing the end date of your previous coverage or a lease showing your new address.
How to enroll in a new plan
Once you have chosen a plan, you can enroll through Medicare.gov, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE, or directly through the insurance company offering the plan. Online enrollment through Medicare.gov is usually the fastest route — you can complete it in about 10 minutes. You will need your Medicare number, which is on your Medicare card.
When you enroll, you are confirming that you want this plan to start on January 1 (if you are enrolling during the annual open enrollment period). The insurance company will send you a confirmation letter and your new member ID card before January 1. Do not throw away your current plan's card until you receive the new one and confirm the effective date.
If you enroll by phone, a representative will walk you through the plan details and confirm your enrollment. If you enroll directly with the insurance company, make sure you are on their official website or calling their official number — look up the number on Medicare.gov rather than searching online, to avoid scams.
What happens to your current plan when you switch
Your old Part D plan ends on December 31, and your new plan begins on January 1. You do not need to formally cancel your old plan — switching to a new plan automatically disenrolls you from the old one. However, you should confirm that your new plan is active before you fill a prescription on January 1.
If you made a mistake and enrolled in the wrong plan, you have until December 31 to make another change during open enrollment. After December 31, you cannot switch again until the next October unless you have a may have access to life event. This is why it is important to double-check your plan choice before the important date.
If you miss the open enrollment important date
If October 15 to December 7 passes and you have not chosen a plan, you stay in your current plan for another year. You cannot switch to a different plan until the next open enrollment period unless you experience a may have access to life event. The only exception is if you receive Extra Help — in that case, you have until December 7 to make a change, even if you missed the standard important date.
Mark the open enrollment dates on your calendar now so you do not miss them. If you realize in January that your current plan is not working for you, contact 1-800-MEDICARE to ask whether your situation qualifies for a Special Enrollment Period. They can tell you whether you are may be able to access to switch outside the standard window.
Understanding costs before you switch
Part D plans have several cost stages: the deductible (the amount you pay before the plan starts to help), the initial coverage phase (where you and the plan share costs), the coverage gap (sometimes called the "donut hole," where you pay more), and catastrophic coverage (where the plan pays most costs after you reach a certain spending threshold). Different plans have different deductibles and cost-sharing amounts.
When you compare plans on Medicare.gov, the tool shows your estimated total out-of-pocket costs for the year, which includes all these stages. This estimate assumes you fill all your prescriptions as written and do not change your medications. If you think you might skip doses or try a different medication, the actual cost could be different. Use the estimate as a starting point, but also look at the individual copays for each of your drugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change Part D plans more than once during open enrollment?
Yes. You can switch plans as many times as you want between October 15 and December 7, as long as each change is made before the important date. Only your last choice will take effect on January 1. If you are still deciding, make your final choice a few days before December 7 to avoid missing the important date.
What if my doctor prescribes a new medication after I have already chosen my plan?
If your plan does not cover the new medication, you can ask your doctor to prescribe a similar drug that is on your plan's formulary, or you can request an exception from the insurance company. You cannot switch plans again until the next open enrollment period unless the new medication qualifies as a life-changing event — which is rare. Plan ahead during open enrollment by thinking about medications your doctor might prescribe.
Do I need to tell my pharmacy that I am switching plans?
You do not need to notify your pharmacy in advance, but it is a good idea to confirm that your new plan is active before you fill a prescription on January 1. Bring your new member ID card to the pharmacy. If there is a delay in receiving your card, call your new insurance company for your member ID number.
What if I want to switch back to my old plan after January 1?
You cannot switch back to your old plan unless you have a may have access to life event. If you realize you made a mistake, contact your new plan when ready to ask about your options. Some plans allow you to cancel within a short window after enrollment, but this varies. Your best option is to wait until the next open enrollment period in October.
Can I change my Part D plan if I also have a Medicare Advantage plan?
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), you cannot have a separate Part D plan — your prescription drug coverage is included in the Advantage plan. To change your prescription drug coverage, you would need to switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or disenroll from Advantage and join Original Medicare with a standalone Part D plan. These changes also happen during open enrollment.