Medicare Open Enrollment closes on December 7, 2024

The 2024 Medicare Open Enrollment period runs from October 15 through December 7, 2024. This is your annual window to join a Medicare plan, switch between plans, or drop coverage. After December 7, you cannot make changes to your Medicare coverage until the next Open Enrollment period in October 2025 — with limited exceptions for people who experience a may have access to life event.

The important date applies to all three types of Medicare changes: switching Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, switching between Medicare Advantage plans, switching between Part D prescription drug plans, or adding Medigap coverage. If you are new to Medicare this year, you have a separate Initial Enrollment Period that lasts seven months, centered on your 65th birthday month — that important date is different and does not follow the October 15 to December 7 window.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Enrollment for 2024 ends December 7, and changes take effect January 1, 2025.
  • You can switch Medicare Advantage plans, change Part D drug plans, or add Medigap during this window only.
  • If you miss the December 7 important date, you cannot change plans until October 2025 unless you have a may have access to life event like moving, losing employer coverage, or getting married.
  • Changes made by December 7 are processed and take effect on January 1, 2025.
  • If you are turning 65 in 2024 or 2025, your Initial Enrollment Period is separate and has its own seven-month window.

What counts as a may have access to life event if you miss the important date

If December 7 passes and you have not made changes, you can still modify your coverage outside Open Enrollment if you experience a may have access to life event. Medicare recognizes these events as reasons to make mid-year changes: moving to a new state or county, losing health coverage (such as employer coverage or Medicaid), getting married or divorced, becoming a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, or a change in your income that affects your Part D or Medigap costs.

You typically have 60 days from the date of the life event to report it to Medicare and make your plan changes. You will need to provide documentation — a lease or utility bill for a move, a letter from your employer for loss of coverage, a marriage certificate, or a tax return for income changes. Contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE to report the event and find out whether your situation qualifies.

How to make changes before December 7

You have three main routes to change your Medicare plans before the important date. The first is to visit Medicare.gov and use the Plan Finder tool. You enter your current plans, medications, and doctors, and the tool shows you other plans available in your area with their costs and coverage for 2025. You can compare side by side and enroll directly on the website.

The second route is to call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). A representative can walk you through your options, answer questions about specific plans, and help you enroll over the phone. The line is open seven days a week, and wait times are often shorter earlier in the day or on weekdays.

The third route is to work with a licensed insurance agent or broker who specializes in Medicare. They can review your current coverage, compare plans for you, and handle the enrollment paperwork. Many agents are paid by the insurance companies, so the service to you is free. You can find local agents through Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE and asking for a referral.

What happens if you enroll after December 7

If you enroll in a new plan after December 7, your coverage does not start until the first day of the following month. For example, if you enroll on December 10, your new plan begins January 1, 2025. If you enroll on January 15, 2025, your new plan does not start until February 1. During the gap, you remain in your current plan.

However, this only applies if you have a may have access to life event. Without one, Medicare will not process your enrollment request after December 7. You will be told to wait until October 2025 to make changes. If you attempt to enroll anyway, the system may reject the request or hold it until the next Open Enrollment period.

Special rules for people new to Medicare in 2024

If you are turning 65 in 2024 or becoming may be able to access for Medicare for the first time this year, the December 7 important date does not explore to you. Instead, you have an Initial Enrollment Period that lasts seven months, centered on the month you turn 65 or become may be able to access. For example, if you turn 65 in November 2024, your Initial Enrollment Period runs from August 2024 through February 2025.

During your Initial Enrollment Period, you can enroll in Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap without waiting for Open Enrollment. Once your Initial Enrollment Period ends, you fall into the regular Open Enrollment schedule. If you miss your Initial Enrollment Period and do not have a may have access to life event, you may face late-enrollment penalties on your premiums for as long as you have Medicare.

Plan changes that take effect January 1, 2025

Any changes you make by December 7, 2024 take effect on January 1, 2025. Your new insurance card will arrive in the mail by December 31, 2024, though some plans send cards earlier. You should receive it before your coverage starts, but if it does not arrive by December 27, contact your new plan directly to confirm your enrollment and ask about a temporary ID number you can use at the doctor or pharmacy.

Your old plan coverage ends on December 31, 2024. Do not cancel your current plan yourself — your new plan enrollment automatically ends the old one. If you switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, your Original Medicare coverage stops on December 31. If you later switch back to Original Medicare, you may need to re-enroll in Medigap, and some plans may deny you or charge higher premiums if you have been without Medigap coverage for more than 63 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my mind after I enroll in a new plan?

Yes, but only during Open Enrollment. If you enroll in a new plan by December 7 and then change your mind, you can switch again before December 7 ends. After December 7, you cannot change plans again until October 2025 unless you have a may have access to life event. Make sure you are confident in your choice before the important date.

What if my doctor or pharmacy is not in my new plan's network?

Check the plan's provider directory on Medicare.gov or the plan's website before you enroll. If your doctor or pharmacy is not listed, contact the plan to ask whether they are in-network or whether the plan covers out-of-network care. Some plans allow out-of-network use with higher costs. If you cannot find a plan that covers your providers, you may have grounds for a may have access to life event to switch plans after December 7.

Do I have to enroll in a Part D drug plan if I do not take prescription medications?

You are not required to enroll, but if you go without Part D coverage and later decide you need it, you may face a late-enrollment penalty. The penalty is added to your Part D premium for as long as you have Medicare. If you think you might need medications in the future, it is usually cheaper to enroll now than to pay the penalty later.

What if I am still working and have health insurance through my job?

You may be able to delay enrolling in Medicare without penalty if your employer has 20 or more employees and you are covered under their health plan. However, you must enroll in Medicare within eight months of losing that coverage or retiring. Contact your employer's benefits office and Medicare to understand your specific situation and important date.

Can I enroll in Medicare Advantage and Medigap at the same time?

No. Medicare Advantage and Medigap are two different types of coverage, and you cannot have both. If you enroll in Medicare Advantage, you are leaving Original Medicare, so Medigap does not explore. If you want Medigap, you must be in Original Medicare. You can switch between the two during Open Enrollment, but you cannot hold both simultaneously.