When and how you can change your Medicare plan

You can change Medicare plans once a year during Open Enrollment for Medicare, which runs from October 15 to December 7. During these dates, you can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare, or from one plan to another within the same category. Changes you make during Open Enrollment take effect on January 1 of the following year.

Outside of Open Enrollment, you generally cannot change plans unless you have a may have access to life event — such as losing employer coverage, moving to a new state, or becoming newly may be able to access for Medicaid. Even then, you have a limited window, usually 60 days from the event, to make the switch.

The process itself is straightforward: you contact the plan you want to join, provide basic information, and submit your request. Medicare does not process the change for you — the new plan handles the enrollment. You do not need to contact your old plan to cancel; the new plan's enrollment automatically ends your previous coverage on December 31.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7 each year, and any changes take effect January 1.
  • You can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, or change to a different plan within the same type, during Open Enrollment.
  • Outside Open Enrollment, you need a may have access to life event such as moving, losing coverage, or becoming may be able to access for Medicaid to change plans.
  • Contact the new plan directly to enroll; you do not need to notify your current plan, and your old coverage ends automatically on December 31.
  • If you miss Open Enrollment and have no may have access to event, you are locked into your current plan until the next October 15.

What counts as a may have access to life event

A may have access to life event is a major change in your circumstances that Medicare recognizes as a reason to change plans outside the annual Open Enrollment window. The most common events are losing health coverage (such as employer coverage or Medicaid), moving to a different state or county, becoming newly may be able to access for Medicaid or Extra Help, or having a change in your living situation that affects your plan options.

Death of a spouse, divorce, and adoption or birth of a child also may have access to. If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan and your plan is being discontinued in your area, you automatically get a Special Enrollment Period to switch to another plan. The same applies if you move out of your plan's service area.

You must report the may have access to event to Medicare within 60 days of when it happens. Medicare will send you a notice confirming your Special Enrollment Period, which typically lasts 60 days. During this time, you can change plans using the same process as Open Enrollment — by contacting the new plan directly.

How to enroll in a new plan

Start by visiting Medicare.gov or calling 1-800-MEDICARE to compare plans available in your area. You can search by plan name, see what doctors and pharmacies are in each network, and check the costs for your medications. Write down the plans you are interested in, including their plan names and phone numbers.

Once you have decided on a plan, contact that plan directly — by phone, online, or in person at a local enrollment event. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, Medicare number (on your red, white, and blue Medicare card), and current plan information if you are switching from another plan. The plan representative will confirm your enrollment and tell you when your coverage begins.

Keep the confirmation number the plan gives you. Your new coverage starts on January 1 if you enroll during Open Enrollment, or on the first of the month following your may have access to event if you use a Special Enrollment Period. You will receive your new insurance card in the mail before your coverage starts.

Differences between switching from Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage

If you are on Original Medicare and want to switch to a Medicare Advantage plan, the process is the same — you contact the new plan during Open Enrollment or a Special Enrollment Period. However, you should know that Medicare Advantage plans have networks, meaning you may need to use doctors and hospitals within that network. You also lose the option to see any Medicare-accepting provider, as you do with Original Medicare.

If you are on a Medicare Advantage plan and want to switch back to Original Medicare, you can do so during Open Enrollment. If you also want to add a Medigap or Part D plan, you have a limited window to do so without facing higher premiums. Switching back to Original Medicare during Open Enrollment does not trigger a Special Enrollment Period for Medigap, so if you want coverage for costs Original Medicare does not pay, you may face waiting periods or higher rates depending on your state.

If you are switching from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, the process is identical — contact the new plan and provide your information. Your old plan automatically ends on December 31, and your new plan begins on January 1.

What happens to your prescriptions and doctors when you switch

When you change plans, your prescription coverage and network of doctors change on January 1 (or the first of the month after a may have access to event). Before your switch takes effect, contact your new plan to confirm that your current doctors are in the network and that your medications are covered. If a medication is not covered or requires prior approval, your new plan can tell you before you switch.

If your current doctor is not in your new plan's network, you will need to find a new doctor or ask your current doctor whether they accept your new plan. Some doctors accept multiple plans, so it is worth asking. Your pharmacy may also change — check whether your preferred pharmacy is in your new plan's network.

If you are on a medication that your new plan does not cover, you have options. You can ask your doctor to request an exception from the new plan, which may approve coverage even if the drug is not on the plan's formulary. You can also ask about switching to a similar medication that is covered. Make these calls before January 1 so you do not run out of medication.

important date and what happens if you miss them

The Open Enrollment important date is December 7 each year. If you submit your enrollment request on or before December 7, your new coverage will begin on January 1. If you miss this date, you cannot change plans until the following October 15 unless you have a may have access to life event.

If you have a may have access to life event, you must report it to Medicare within 60 days. Your Special Enrollment Period typically lasts 60 days from the date Medicare confirms the event. If you miss this window, you will be locked into your current plan until the next Open Enrollment period in October.

If you enroll in a plan after December 7 but before December 31, your coverage may not start until February 1 or later, depending on when the plan processes your request. For this reason, it is best to enroll as early as possible during Open Enrollment to may support January 1 coverage.

Questions to ask your current and new plan

Before you switch, call your current plan and ask whether there are any penalties or waiting periods for leaving. Most Medicare plans do not charge cancellation fees, but it is worth confirming. Ask about any remaining benefits you have not used, such as dental or vision coverage, and whether those benefits end on December 31.

Call your new plan and ask: Are my doctors in your network? Is my pharmacy in your network? Are my medications covered, and do any require prior approval? What is the cost of each medication under your formulary? What is the deductible, copay, and out-of-pocket maximum? When will I receive my insurance card? Do you offer any extra benefits like dental, vision, or fitness programs?

Ask both plans about the appeals process if a claim is denied or a medication is not covered. Understanding how to appeal before you need to can save time and frustration later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change plans more than once during Open Enrollment?

Yes. You can change plans multiple times between October 15 and December 7, and only your final enrollment will take effect on January 1. However, each time you enroll in a new plan, your previous enrollment is cancelled. It is best to make your final decision and enroll once to avoid confusion.

What if I move to a different state?

Moving to a different state is a may have access to life event. You have 60 days from the date you move to change plans. Contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to report your move and learn which plans are available in your new location. Your new coverage will begin on the first of the month after your plan processes your enrollment.

Do I need to tell my old plan I am leaving?

No. When you enroll in a new plan, that plan automatically ends your old coverage on December 31. You do not need to call your old plan to cancel. However, if you want to confirm your coverage ends on the correct date, you can call them for peace of mind.

What if my new plan is not accepting new members?

Some plans close to new enrollment when they reach capacity. If your preferred plan is closed, choose another plan during Open Enrollment or contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE for help finding alternatives. You can also wait and try to enroll in that plan during the next Open Enrollment period.

Can I switch back to my old plan if I do not like my new one?

No, not until the next Open Enrollment period in October. Once your new plan begins on January 1, you are locked in until October 15, unless you have a may have access to life event. This is why it is important to compare plans carefully before you enroll and to confirm that your doctors and medications are covered.