Medicare renews automatically, but you need to take action during Open Enrollment to make changes or confirm your coverage stays the same

Your Medicare coverage does not expire at the end of the year — it continues into the next year without you having to do anything. However, if you want to switch plans, add or drop coverage, or just make sure your information is current, you must act during Medicare Open Enrollment, which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. If you do nothing during this window, your current plan renews automatically on January 1.

The renewal process is different depending on whether you have Original Medicare (Parts A and B), a Medicare Advantage plan, or a Medigap policy. Each has its own timeline and its own reasons you might want to make a change. Understanding what applies to you now will save you time and prevent coverage gaps.

Key Takeaways

  • Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7 each year, and changes take effect January 1.
  • Your current plan renews automatically on January 1 if you take no action during Open Enrollment.
  • You can make changes online at Medicare.gov, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE, or in person at your local Social Security office.
  • Review your plan each year because premiums, deductibles, and drug formularies change, and your health needs may have changed too.
  • If you miss the Open Enrollment important date, you may not be able to change plans until the following year unless you have a may have access to life event.

What happens automatically when your Medicare renews

On January 1, your current plan coverage continues with the same company and the same plan name, unless that plan is being discontinued. Your premiums, deductible, and out-of-pocket limits may change from the previous year — insurers announce these changes in September, and Medicare mails you a notice in October. Your prescription drug coverage (Part D) also renews, but the drugs covered and their costs often shift year to year.

If you have Original Medicare with a Medigap policy, both renew automatically. Your Medigap premium may increase, and you will receive a new card or confirmation from your insurance company. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, it renews the same way, though some plans are discontinued each year and you will be notified if yours is one of them.

Automatic renewal means you do not lose coverage, but it also means you may be paying more for less coverage if you do not review your options. Many people find a better plan during Open Enrollment but never look because they assume renewal is automatic and complete.

When and how to make changes during Open Enrollment

Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7. During this window, you can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare, change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, add or drop Part D prescription drug coverage, or switch Medigap policies. Changes you make during Open Enrollment take effect on January 1.

You have three ways to make changes. Online at Medicare.gov, you can compare plans side by side, see which doctors and pharmacies are in each network, and enroll directly. By phone, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and speak to a representative who can walk you through your options and enroll you over the phone. In person, visit your local Social Security office or a State Health Insurance information Program (SHIP) office — SHIP counselors are free and trained to help you understand your choices.

If you enroll online or by phone, you will receive a confirmation number. Write it down and keep it with your Medicare records. Your new plan card will arrive by December 31 or early January.

Reasons to review and change your plan each year

Premiums and deductibles change every year. A plan that cost $150 per month in 2024 might cost $180 in 2025, or a different plan might offer lower premiums for the same coverage. Your out-of-pocket maximum — the most you pay before insurance covers 100 percent — also changes, and these shifts can add up to hundreds of dollars over the year.

Prescription drug coverage shifts significantly. If you take regular medications, the drugs your plan covers (its formulary) may change, or the tier your drug is on may move, changing your copay. A drug that cost $10 last year might cost $35 this year on the same plan, or it might not be covered at all. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, the doctors and hospitals in your network may change, and your preferred provider might no longer be included.

Your health and life circumstances also change. If you were diagnosed with a new condition, had surgery, or started taking new medications, your needs may no longer match your current plan. If you moved, your plan might not serve your new area. If your income changed, you might now may have access to for Extra Help with prescription drug costs or a low-income subsidy that reduces your premiums.

How to compare plans and choose the right one

Start by listing your current doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies. On Medicare.gov, enter your zip code and the plans will show you which providers are in each network. If your doctor is not listed, call the doctor's office directly — sometimes the Medicare.gov list lags behind, but sometimes the provider truly is not in the network.

Next, list all your regular medications with their dosages. Use the "Find Care Providers and Suppliers" tool on Medicare.gov to check what each plan charges for your drugs at your preferred pharmacy. The price for the same drug can differ by $50 or more between plans. If you use mail order or a specialty pharmacy, check those too.

Compare the total cost, not just the premium. Add the monthly premium, the annual deductible, the copays or coinsurance for your regular doctor visits, and the estimated cost of your medications. A plan with a lower premium might have a higher deductible or higher drug costs, so the total out-of-pocket cost is what matters. Medicare.gov has a plan comparison tool that does this math for you.

What to do if you miss the Open Enrollment important date

If December 7 passes and you have not made changes, your current plan renews automatically on January 1 and you cannot switch plans until the next Open Enrollment period in October. However, there are exceptions called may have access to life events. If you experience one of these events, you get a Special Enrollment Period of up to 60 days to make changes outside of Open Enrollment.

may have access to life events include losing employer coverage, moving out of your plan's service area, getting married or divorced, having a significant drop in income, or becoming may be able to access for Medicaid. If you believe you have had a may have access to event, call 1-800-MEDICARE and explain your situation. Medicare will determine whether you may have access to for a Special Enrollment Period.

If you do not have a may have access to event and you missed the important date, you are locked into your current plan for the year. The only exception is if your plan is being discontinued — Medicare will notify you and give you time to choose a new plan outside of the normal Open Enrollment window.

Understanding your renewal notice and new plan documents

In October, Medicare mails you an "Annual Notice of Change" for each plan you have. This document lists what is changing: premiums, deductibles, copays, which drugs are covered, and which doctors and hospitals are in the network. Read it carefully, because these changes are often the reason to switch plans. If you do not receive a notice by mid-October, call your plan directly or Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE.

If you enroll in a new plan, you will receive a new Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) document that explains exactly what the plan covers, what you pay, and what is not covered. Keep this with your records. Your new plan card will arrive by December 31, and you should destroy your old card once the new one arrives.

If you keep your current plan, your renewal documents will confirm your coverage continues. Your premium may be listed on your renewal notice, or you may receive a separate premium notice from your plan or from Social Security if your premium is deducted from your Social Security check.

How to update your personal information during renewal

Use Open Enrollment to update your address, phone number, or emergency contact information if anything has changed. You can do this on Medicare.gov, by calling 1-800-MEDICARE, or by contacting your plan directly. If you moved, updating your address is especially important because your plan card and renewal notices need to reach you.

If your income changed significantly, report it to Social Security or Medicare because it may affect your may be able to access for Extra Help with prescription drugs or a low-income subsidy. These programs reduce your premiums and out-of-pocket costs, and many people who may have access to do not know about them. You can report income changes anytime, not just during Open Enrollment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I do not make any changes during Open Enrollment?

Your current plan renews automatically on January 1 with the same coverage, though premiums and deductibles may change. You will keep the same plan for the entire year unless your plan is discontinued, in which case Medicare will notify you and give you time to choose a new plan.

Can I change plans more than once during Open Enrollment?

Yes. You can switch plans multiple times during the Open Enrollment period (October 15 to December 7), but only your final enrollment counts. If you enroll in Plan A on November 1 and then enroll in Plan B on November 15, Plan B is your coverage starting January 1.

Do I have to change plans every year?

No. If your current plan still meets your needs and the cost is acceptable, you can keep it year after year. However, reviewing your plan annually is wise because premiums, deductibles, drug coverage, and provider networks change every year, and a plan that was a good fit last year may not be this year.

What if my doctor or pharmacy is no longer in my plan's network?

This is a may have access to life event that may allow you to switch plans outside of Open Enrollment. Call 1-800-MEDICARE and explain that your provider is no longer in your plan's network. Medicare will determine whether you may have access to for a Special Enrollment Period to change plans.

How do I know if my plan is being discontinued?

Medicare mails you a notice if your plan is being discontinued, usually in September or October. If you do not receive a notice and you are unsure, call your plan directly or call 1-800-MEDICARE. If your plan is discontinued, you will have time to choose a new plan before January 1.