Medicare Open Enrollment runs for seven weeks each fall

Medicare Open Enrollment is the yearly window when you can change your Medicare coverage for the following year. It runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. Any changes you make during this period take effect on January 1 of the next year.

This is the main time Medicare lets you switch plans without a penalty or waiting period. If you miss this window, you cannot change your coverage until the next October — unless a life event like losing employer coverage or moving to a new state qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period.

The seven-week timeline is the same every year. Mark October 15 on your calendar now so you do not miss the start date. Many people wait until November or December, but starting your review in mid-October gives you time to compare plans without rushing.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7 each year, and changes take effect January 1.
  • You have seven weeks to review your current plan, compare other options, and make changes if you want to.
  • If you do not act during Open Enrollment, your coverage stays the same for the next year unless a life event opens a Special Enrollment Period.
  • Plans change their costs and coverage every year, so reviewing your options annually can save you money even if you keep the same plan type.
  • You can make changes online through Medicare.gov, by phone, or by mail — you do not have to do it all at once.

What happens if you miss the important date

If December 7 passes and you have not made a change, your current plan automatically renews for the next year. You stay in the same Medicare Advantage plan, Medigap policy, or Part D prescription drug plan you had before. Your premiums, deductibles, and coverage details may change, but the plan itself does not switch.

The only way to change coverage outside of Open Enrollment is through a Special Enrollment Period. This opens if you lose employer coverage, move to a different state, turn 65, or experience other may have access to events like divorce or loss of Medicaid. Each event has its own important date — usually 30 to 60 days — so you need to act quickly if one happens to you.

If you realize in January that your plan no longer works for you, you are locked in until the next October. This is why reviewing your options before December 7 matters, even if you think your current plan is fine.

Why you should review your plan even if you do not want to switch

Medicare plans change every year. Your current plan may have raised its premium, increased its deductible, or dropped a pharmacy from its network. A plan you rejected last year might now cost less or cover a medication you take. The only way to know is to compare.

Spending an hour reviewing plans during Open Enrollment can uncover savings of hundreds of dollars per year. Medicare.gov has a tool called "Plan Finder" that shows you all available plans in your area, their costs, and which doctors and pharmacies they cover. You enter your current medications and it tells you which plans cover them and at what cost.

Even if you decide to stay in your current plan after reviewing, you have made an informed choice. Many people discover they could save money by switching to a different plan with the same coverage level, or by adding a prescription drug plan they did not have before.

How to make changes during Open Enrollment

You have three ways to change your Medicare coverage: online, by phone, or by mail. Most people find online the fastest option because you see plan details and costs right away.

Online through Medicare.gov: Go to Medicare.gov and log into your account, or create one if you do not have one yet. Use the Plan Finder tool to compare plans, then select the one you want. You can complete the entire process in one session. Your confirmation appears on screen and is also mailed to you.

By phone: Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). A representative walks you through your options and makes the change for you. This takes longer than online — usually 20 to 30 minutes — but it is a good option if you have questions or do not use a computer.

By mail: Request a paper form from Medicare and mail it back with your choice. This is the slowest method and takes several weeks to process, so use it only if you cannot access the phone or internet.

Important dates and important date to know

Open Enrollment always runs October 15 through December 7. Your new coverage starts January 1. Plans must notify you of changes by September 30, so you have time to review before Open Enrollment begins.

If you are newly may be able to access for Medicare — turning 65 or losing employer coverage — you have a different enrollment window called an Initial Enrollment Period. This is seven months long and centered on your birthday month. Missing this important date can result in a permanent penalty on your premiums, so it is critical to act within your window.

If you have a Special Enrollment Period due to a life event, your important date depends on the event. Most are 30 to 60 days from the date the event happened. Document the date of your event and contact Medicare right away to confirm your important date.

What to have ready before you start

Gather your current Medicare card, a list of your doctors and pharmacies, and a list of all medications you take — including the dose and how often you take each one. If you use Medicare.gov's Plan Finder, you can enter your medications and it will show you the cost under each plan.

Have your income information available if you think you might be may be able to access for Extra Help, a program that lowers prescription drug costs for people with limited income. You can explore for Extra Help at the same time you choose a plan, and it can save you hundreds of dollars per year on medications.

If you have questions about whether a specific doctor or pharmacy is in a plan's network, have that information ready too. You can call the plan directly or check its website, but doing this before you choose saves time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Medicare plan more than once during Open Enrollment?

Yes. You can switch plans as many times as you want between October 15 and December 7. Only your final choice on December 7 takes effect on January 1. If you change your mind after selecting a plan, you can choose a different one before the important date ends.

What if my doctor is not in the new plan I want to join?

Call the plan and ask if your doctor will be in-network starting January 1, or check the plan's website. If your doctor is not listed, contact the doctor's office directly — they can tell you which Medicare plans they accept. You may need to choose a different plan or find a new doctor.

Do I have to choose a new plan if my current plan is leaving Medicare?

Yes. If your plan is discontinuing, Medicare sends you a notice by September 30 with a list of other plans available in your area. You must choose a new plan by December 7, or Medicare will automatically enroll you in a plan it selects. It is better to choose yourself so you get the coverage you want.

Can I switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan during Open Enrollment?

Yes. You can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare, during Open Enrollment. If you switch to Original Medicare, you can also enroll in a Medigap policy and a Part D prescription drug plan at the same time.

What happens if I do not have prescription drug coverage and do not sign up during Open Enrollment?

If you go without Part D coverage for more than 63 days in a row, you pay a permanent penalty on your premiums when you do enroll. The penalty is about 1% of the national average Part D premium for each month you were without coverage. This penalty stays with you for as long as you have Medicare.