Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7 each year

Open Enrollment is the one time each year when you can change your Medicare coverage without a penalty. It starts on October 15 and ends on December 7. Any changes you make during this window take effect on January 1 of the following year.

This is different from your Initial Enrollment Period, which is the first time you become may be able to access for Medicare (usually when you turn 65). Open Enrollment happens the same time every year, so you can plan ahead once you know the dates.

If you miss the October 15 to December 7 window, you cannot change your plan until the next year's Open Enrollment — unless you have a may have access to life event like losing employer coverage or moving to a new state. Missing the important date can mean staying in a plan that no longer works for you for a full year.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Enrollment runs October 15 through December 7 every year, and changes take effect January 1.
  • You can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or vice versa, only during this window.
  • You can also change your prescription drug plan (Part D) or Medigap supplemental coverage during Open Enrollment.
  • If you miss the important date, you cannot change plans until the following year unless you have a may have access to life event.
  • Your new plan's coverage details and costs may change each year, so reviewing your options annually is important even if you were satisfied last year.

What you can change during Open Enrollment

Open Enrollment lets you make three main types of changes. First, you can switch between Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C). If you are in Original Medicare and want prescription drug coverage, you can join a Part D plan. If you already have Part D, you can switch to a different Part D plan or drop coverage.

Second, if you have Original Medicare, you can switch Medigap supplemental plans or join one for the first time. Medigap helps pay costs that Original Medicare does not cover, like copayments and deductibles.

Third, if you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare. You can also change your Part D prescription drug plan at the same time.

One important limit: if you are in a Medicare Advantage plan and want to switch to Original Medicare and add a Medigap plan, you may face higher premiums or coverage gaps if you do not enroll in Medigap at the same time. This is called a "Medigap open enrollment period," and it has different rules than Medicare Open Enrollment.

How to review your current coverage before October 15

Before Open Enrollment begins, gather your current plan documents. Find your Summary of Benefits and Coverage, your plan's formulary (the list of covered drugs), and your most recent explanation of benefits statements. These show you what you are paying now and what is covered.

Check whether your doctors and pharmacies are still in your plan's network. Medicare Advantage plans change their networks every year, and your doctor may no longer be covered. Call your doctor's office or your pharmacy to confirm they accept your plan in the coming year.

Review your prescription drugs. If you take medications, look at your plan's formulary to see whether each drug is still covered and at what cost. Drug coverage and pricing change annually, and a medication you paid $10 for this year might cost $50 next year under the same plan.

Make a list of any changes you want to make — a different plan, a plan with lower premiums, or a plan that covers your doctors. Having this list ready before October 15 makes the enrollment process faster.

Where to review plans and make changes

Medicare.gov is the official source for comparing plans. Go to Medicare.gov/plan-compare and enter your zip code, your current medications, and your doctors. The tool shows you all available plans in your area, their premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs. You can compare up to three plans side by side.

You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to speak with a representative who can walk you through your options. Representatives are available seven days a week, and they can answer questions about specific plans and help you understand the differences.

Some people prefer working with a local counselor. State Health Insurance information Programs (SHIP) offer free, one-on-one counseling about Medicare plans. To find your state's SHIP, go to shiptacenter.org or call 1-877-839-2675. Counselors can review your situation and help you decide which plan might work best.

Once you have decided on a new plan, you can enroll online at Medicare.gov, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE, or by mail. Enrollment by mail takes longer, so online or phone is faster if you want your coverage to start January 1.

What happens after you enroll in a new plan

After you enroll during Open Enrollment, you will receive a confirmation letter from your new plan within two weeks. This letter confirms your coverage start date (January 1) and your new plan details. Keep this letter for your records.

Your old plan coverage ends on December 31. Do not cancel your old plan yourself — it will end automatically. If you cancel early, you may have a gap in coverage.

Your new insurance card should arrive by December 31. If it does not arrive by mid-December, contact your new plan to request a replacement. Do not go to a doctor or pharmacy on January 1 without your new card or a confirmation letter, as they may not have your new coverage information in their system yet.

If you enrolled in a new prescription drug plan, make sure your pharmacy has your new plan information before you fill a prescription on January 1. Call your pharmacy ahead of time to confirm they have updated your coverage.

If you miss Open Enrollment or need to make changes outside the window

If you miss the October 15 to December 7 important date, you generally cannot change your plan until the next year's Open Enrollment. However, certain life events allow you to make changes outside the regular window. These are called "may have access to events" or "may have access to life changes."

may have access to events include losing employer or union coverage, moving to a new state or county, getting married or divorced, having a baby or adopting a child, and becoming may be able to access for Medicaid or losing Medicaid coverage. If you experience one of these events, you usually have 60 days to make a change. You will need to provide proof of the event, such as a letter from your employer or a marriage certificate.

If you believe you have a may have access to event, contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE or your current plan to report it. They will tell you whether your situation qualifies and how long you have to make a change.

Questions to ask your doctor and plan before Open Enrollment

Before October 15, call your doctor's office and ask: "Will you be in my Medicare plan's network next year?" Ask this for every doctor you see regularly, including specialists. Do not assume your doctor will stay in the same plan.

Ask your pharmacy: "Do you accept [plan name] in 2024?" (or whatever the coming year is). If your pharmacy is not in your plan's network, ask whether they can special-order your medications or whether you need to switch pharmacies.

If you take prescription medications, ask your doctor: "Are there any changes I should know about with my medications next year?" Some drugs are removed from formularies or moved to higher cost-sharing tiers. Your doctor may know about upcoming changes or have alternatives.

Call your current plan's customer service line and ask: "What is changing with my coverage next year?" Plans send notices about changes, but calling lets you ask specific questions about your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can make multiple changes during the October 15 to December 7 window. If you enroll in one plan and then change your mind, you can switch to a different plan before December 7. Only your final enrollment counts, and that is the plan that will be active on January 1.

What if my plan is being discontinued?

If your current plan is ending, Medicare will send you a notice by September 30. You will be automatically moved to another plan offered by the same insurance company, but you can choose a different plan during Open Enrollment. You are not locked into the automatic assignment.

Do I have to enroll in a new plan if I want to keep the same coverage?

No. If you are happy with your current plan and it is not being discontinued, you can do nothing and your coverage will continue into the new year. However, reviewing your plan annually is still a good idea because premiums, deductibles, and drug coverage change every year.

Can I enroll in a plan before October 15?

No. Open Enrollment is the only time most people can change plans. The exception is if you are newly may be able to access for Medicare or have a may have access to life event. If you are turning 65 soon, your Initial Enrollment Period is separate from Open Enrollment and has different dates.

What if I need help understanding my plan options?

Call your State Health Insurance information Program (SHIP) for free counseling. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE to speak with a representative, or use the plan comparison tool at Medicare.gov. These resources are free and do not sell plans or take commissions.