You can switch Part D plans once a year during the annual enrollment period
Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) lets you change plans every year from October 15 through December 7. This window is called the Annual Enrollment Period, or AEP. You do not need a reason to switch — you can move to a different plan straightforward because your needs have changed, your current plan's costs went up, or you found better coverage elsewhere.
The new plan takes effect on January 1 of the following year. If you miss the October 15 to December 7 window, you cannot switch until the next year's enrollment period arrives, unless you experience a may have access to life event (such as moving to a different state, losing employer coverage, or becoming newly may be able to access for Medicare).
Key Takeaways
- The annual enrollment period runs from October 15 through December 7 each year, and any change you make takes effect January 1.
- You can switch plans by calling Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE, using Medicare.gov, or contacting your current plan to request a switch.
- Before switching, use the Medicare Plan Finder tool to compare your current plan's costs against other plans that cover your medications at the same or lower cost.
- Your new plan will automatically end your old one, so you do not need to cancel the old plan yourself.
- If you miss the annual enrollment period, you can only switch if you have a may have access to life event and report it to Medicare within 60 days.
How to compare plans before you switch
The Medicare Plan Finder is a free tool on Medicare.gov that shows you which Part D plans cover your specific medications and what you will pay under each plan. To use it, you will need a list of all the prescription drugs you take, including the dose and how often you take them. Bring this list when you visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask for help using the Plan Finder.
The tool shows you the monthly premium (what you pay each month), the deductible (what you pay before the plan starts to help), and your out-of-pocket costs for each drug. Some plans have lower premiums but higher costs when you fill prescriptions. Others cost more per month but save you money at the pharmacy. The Plan Finder adds up your total yearly cost under each plan so you can see the real difference.
Pay special attention to whether your pharmacy is in the plan's network. A plan that looks cheap might require you to use a pharmacy far from your home. Call the plan directly to confirm that your preferred pharmacy participates before you switch.
Three ways to switch your Part D plan
Call Medicare directly. Phone 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern time, seven days a week. Tell the representative you want to switch Part D plans. They will ask which plan you want to join and confirm your information. The call takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will receive a confirmation letter in the mail within two weeks.
Use Medicare.gov. Go to Medicare.gov, sign in with your username and password, and select "Change Plans" under the Medicare coverage section. Follow the prompts to compare plans and select the one you want. You will see a confirmation number on screen when ready. Print or save it.
Contact your new plan directly. Call the Part D plan you want to join and ask them to enroll you. They will collect your information and submit the switch to Medicare on your behalf. Ask for a confirmation number before you hang up. You should also receive written confirmation in the mail.
What happens to your old plan when you switch
Your old Part D plan automatically ends on December 31 when your new plan begins on January 1. You do not need to call your old plan or send them a letter to cancel. However, if you switch plans in November or early December and want to make sure there are no billing problems, you can call your old plan to confirm the end date.
If your old plan sends you a bill after January 1, do not pay it. Contact the plan to tell them you switched, and ask them to correct their records. Keep any confirmation letters you received so you can show proof of the switch if there is a dispute.
Important dates and important date for the 2024 enrollment period
| Date or Period | What Happens |
|---|---|
| October 15 – December 7 | Annual Enrollment Period. You can switch Part D plans during this window. |
| December 7 (midnight) | important date to switch. Any change made after this time will not take effect until the following year. |
| January 1 | Your new Part D plan begins. Your old plan ends. |
| After January 1 | You cannot switch until the next October 15, unless you have a may have access to life event. |
What counts as a may have access to life event
If you miss the annual enrollment period, you can still switch Part D plans if you experience a may have access to life event. These include moving to a different state, losing employer-sponsored coverage, becoming newly may be able to access for Medicare, having a change in your income that affects your Medicare costs, or being admitted to a long-term care facility.
You must report the life event to Medicare within 60 days of when it happened. Call 1-800-MEDICARE to report it and request a plan change. Medicare will send you a letter confirming that you have a Special Enrollment Period, usually lasting two months from the date you report the event. During this time, you can switch Part D plans outside the normal annual enrollment window.
Questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching
Before you finalize a switch, talk to your doctor and pharmacist about the new plan. Ask your doctor whether the medications covered by the new plan are the ones they would prescribe for you, or whether they would need to switch you to different drugs. Ask your pharmacist whether the new plan's pharmacy network includes the pharmacy you use, and what your out-of-pocket cost will be for each of your regular medications under the new plan.
If your new plan does not cover a medication your doctor prescribed, ask your doctor whether an alternative medication that the plan does cover would work for you. Some plans require prior authorization, meaning your doctor has to get permission from the plan before the pharmacy can fill the prescription. Ask whether your new plan requires this for any of your medications, because it can delay getting your prescription filled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch Part D plans more than once during the enrollment period?
Yes. If you change your mind, you can switch to a different plan as many times as you want between October 15 and December 7. Only your final switch counts — the plan you select last is the one that will be active on January 1. Each switch you make cancels the previous one.
What if I realize I made a mistake after January 1?
If your new plan does not cover a medication you need or costs more than you expected, you have until January 31 to switch to a different plan. This is called the Plan Change Period. Call 1-800-MEDICARE or your new plan to request the change. Any switch made by January 31 will take effect when ready, not on a future date.
Do I need to tell my current insurance company I am switching?
No. When you enroll in a new Part D plan through Medicare or the new plan itself, your old plan is automatically notified and terminated. You do not need to contact your old plan to cancel. However, if you want to confirm the switch went through, you can call your old plan to ask for the end date.
What if I cannot afford the premium on my new plan?
You may be able to get help paying your Part D premium through the Low-Income Subsidy program if your income and resources are below certain limits. Contact your state Medicaid office or call 1-800-MEDICARE to learn whether you may have access to. If you do, the subsidy can reduce or eliminate your premium.
Can I switch back to my old plan if I do not like the new one?
You can switch to any Part D plan during the next annual enrollment period (October 15 to December 7), including your old plan if it is still available. If you need to switch before then, you must have a may have access to life event. Otherwise, you are locked into your new plan until the next enrollment period.