You can change your Medicare plan once a year during the Annual Enrollment Period, which runs October 15 to December 7
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is the main window when you can switch plans. It happens every year from October 15 through December 7. Any changes you make during this time take effect on January 1 of the following year. You do not need a reason to switch — you can change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, move between Medicare Advantage plans, add or drop prescription drug coverage, or switch to a Medigap policy.
Outside of AEP, you can only change plans if you experience a may have access to life event. These include losing employer coverage, moving to a different state, becoming may be able to access for Medicaid, or having a change in your income. You have 60 days from the event to make a change. If you miss the Annual Enrollment Period and do not have a may have access to event, you will be locked into your current plan until the next October.
Key Takeaways
- The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 to December 7 each year, and changes take effect January 1.
- You can switch plans directly through Medicare.gov, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE, or by mail using the form Medicare sends you.
- Compare plans before you switch by checking your current doctors and medications against each plan's network and formulary.
- If you miss the October important date, you can only change plans if you have a may have access to life event like moving or losing coverage.
- Your new plan's coverage begins January 1, so you have time to notify your current doctors and pharmacy of the change.
Three ways to change your plan
You have three main routes to switch plans. The fastest is online through Medicare.gov. Go to the "Change Plans" section, enter your ZIP code, and compare plans side by side. You can see which doctors and hospitals are in each network, what your costs will be, and what prescription drugs are covered. Once you choose a plan, you can enroll right there on the website.
The second route is by phone. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and a representative will walk you through your options and help you enroll. This is useful if you have questions about specific plans or need help understanding your costs. The line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week during the enrollment period.
The third route is by mail. Medicare will send you a notice in September with a form you can fill out and mail back. This is slower than the other two methods, but it works if you prefer paper or do not have internet access. Mail your completed form to the address on the notice.
What to check before you switch
Before you enroll in a new plan, verify that your doctors and hospitals are in the plan's network. Many people switch plans and then discover their regular doctor is not covered. On Medicare.gov, you can search by doctor name or hospital name to see which plans include them. Call your doctor's office directly if you are unsure — they can tell you which Medicare plans they accept.
If you take prescription medications, check the plan's formulary, which is the list of drugs it covers. Search for each medication by name on Medicare.gov or the plan's website. Look at the copay or coinsurance amount — the cost can vary significantly between plans. Some plans cover a drug with a $5 copay; another might charge $50. If a medication you need is not on the formulary at all, that plan will not work for you.
Compare your out-of-pocket costs under each plan. Add up your expected premiums, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance for the year. A plan with a lower premium might have higher copays, so the total cost matters more than any single number. Medicare.gov shows you an estimate based on your current medications and doctors.
Notifying your current plan and new plan
You do not have to contact your current plan to tell them you are leaving — Medicare handles that automatically. However, it is a good idea to call them and confirm your coverage ends on December 31. This prevents confusion if a claim is submitted after you have switched.
Your new plan will send you a welcome packet in late December with your member ID card, plan details, and instructions for using your coverage. Read through it so you know your copays, how to reach customer service, and whether you need referrals to see specialists. Call the plan's customer service number if you have questions before January 1.
Tell your doctor's office and pharmacy about your new plan before January 1. Give them your new member ID number so they can verify your coverage and bill the correct plan. This prevents delays when you fill a prescription or have an appointment in early January.
What happens if you miss the October important date
If you do not change your plan during the Annual Enrollment Period, you are locked in until the next October — unless you have a may have access to life event. may have access to events include moving to a different state, losing health coverage through an employer or spouse, becoming newly may be able to access for Medicaid or Extra Help, or having a significant change in income.
If you experience one of these events, you have 60 days to make a change. Contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to report the event and enroll in a new plan. You will need to provide proof of the event — for example, a letter from your employer confirming you lost coverage, or a notice from your state Medicaid office. Your new coverage can start as early as the first of the month following your enrollment, depending on when you report the change.
Special enrollment periods for specific situations
Some people have access to a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) outside of the regular October window. If you are a new Medicare beneficiary, you have three months from the month you turn 65 to enroll in a plan. If you recently moved to a new state, you may have a SEP to switch plans. If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan and want to switch back to Original Medicare, you have one month at the start of each calendar year.
If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan and your plan is leaving your area, Medicare automatically gives you a SEP to switch to a different plan. You will receive a notice from your plan explaining your options and the important date. Do not ignore this notice — if you do not choose a new plan, Medicare will assign you to one automatically, which may not be your preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my plan more than once during the enrollment period?
Yes. You can switch plans as many times as you want between October 15 and December 7. Each time you enroll in a new plan, your previous enrollment is cancelled. Only your final choice will take effect on January 1. However, changing multiple times can be confusing, so compare carefully before you make your final switch.
What if my new plan does not cover a medication I need?
Contact your new plan and ask about a formulary exception. Many plans will cover a drug not on their list if your doctor submits a request explaining why you need that specific medication. This process can take a few weeks, so start it before your coverage begins on January 1. If the plan denies the exception, you can appeal or switch to a different plan if you are still within the enrollment period.
Do I have to switch plans every year?
No. You can stay in the same plan for as long as you want. However, it is a good idea to review your plan each October to make sure your doctors are still in the network and your medications are still covered. Plans change their networks and formularies every year, so what worked last year might not work this year.
What if I enroll in a new plan but change my mind?
You can switch again as long as you are still within the October 15 to December 7 enrollment period. After December 7, you are locked into your choice until the next October, unless you have a may have access to life event. Make sure you are certain about your plan before the important date passes.
Can I switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan at any time?
You can switch during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) or if you have a may have access to life event. If you are a new Medicare beneficiary, you have three months from the month you turn 65. After that, you are limited to the annual enrollment period unless your circumstances change.