Open enrollment for Medicare runs from October 15 to December 7 each year

Medicare's annual open enrollment window is fixed: it begins on October 15 and closes on December 7. During these seven weeks, you can change your coverage for the following year — switch between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare, change your prescription drug plan, or join a Medigap policy. Any changes you make take effect on January 1 of the next year.

This is the only time most people can make these changes without a penalty. If you miss the important date and do not have a may have access to life event (like losing employer coverage or moving to a new state), you will be locked into your current plan for another full year.

Key Takeaways

  • Open enrollment runs October 15 through December 7 each year, and changes take effect January 1.
  • You can switch between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare, change prescription drug plans, or add or drop Medigap coverage during this window.
  • Missing the important date means you cannot change plans until the next October 15, unless you have a may have access to life event.
  • Medicare sends a notice in September with your plan options and any changes to your current plan's costs or coverage.
  • You can compare plans and enroll through Medicare.gov, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE, or with a local counselor.

What you can change during open enrollment

Open enrollment lets you make four main types of changes. You can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare. You can change which Medicare Advantage plan you are in. You can switch your Part D prescription drug plan to a different one. And you can add, drop, or switch a Medigap supplemental insurance policy.

You cannot use open enrollment to join Medicare for the first time — that happens during your initial enrollment period, which is the seven months centered on your 65th birthday. But if you are already enrolled, open enrollment is your annual chance to reassess whether your current plan still fits your needs and budget.

How to prepare before October 15

Start by reviewing the notice Medicare mails to you in September. This notice lists your current plan, any changes to its premiums or coverage for the coming year, and your other options. Read it carefully, because plans change every year — a drug you take may move to a higher cost tier, or a doctor you see may leave the network.

Make a list of your current medications, the doctors and specialists you see regularly, and any hospitals or urgent care centers you use. Then use the plan comparison tool on Medicare.gov to see how your current plan stacks up against other options. You can enter your drugs and doctors to see which plans cover them and at what cost. If you do not have internet access, call 1-800-MEDICARE and a representative will walk you through the comparison by phone.

If you are considering a Medicare Advantage plan, confirm that your preferred doctors are in the plan's network. Medicare Advantage plans often have smaller networks than Original Medicare, and seeing an out-of-network doctor usually costs more or is not covered at all.

Enrolling in a new plan

You have three ways to enroll during open enrollment. The easiest for most people is Medicare.gov — go to the Plans section, enter your information, and follow the steps to compare and enroll. The process takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have your current plan details and medications listed.

You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern time, seven days a week. A representative can answer questions, compare plans with you, and enroll you over the phone. This route works well if you have questions or prefer to talk through your options.

A third option is to work with a State Health Insurance information Program (SHIP) counselor. SHIP offers free, one-on-one help from trained counselors who know your state's plans and rules. You can find your state's SHIP by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or visiting the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.

What happens if you miss the important date

If December 7 passes and you have not made a change, you stay in your current plan. You cannot switch plans again until the next October 15 — with one major exception. A may have access to life event lets you enroll or change plans outside the regular window. These events include losing employer coverage, moving to a new state, getting married or divorced, or having a significant drop in income.

If a may have access to event happens to you, you usually have 60 days from the event to make a change. You will need to contact Medicare directly to report the event and request a special enrollment period. Call 1-800-MEDICARE or go to Medicare.gov and select "Report Life Changes."

Understanding plan changes and costs

Even if you do not switch plans, your current plan may change for the next year. Premiums often go up, deductibles may shift, and the list of covered drugs can change. The September notice from Medicare tells you about these changes, so read it even if you think you will keep your plan.

When comparing plans, look at the total cost you will pay, not just the premium. Add up the monthly premium, the deductible, copays for your regular doctors and drugs, and any out-of-pocket maximum. A plan with a lower premium might cost more overall if your copays are higher. The plan comparison tool on Medicare.gov shows estimated yearly costs based on your drugs and doctors, which can help you see the real picture.

Special situations: SEP and other enrollment periods

In addition to the annual open enrollment, Medicare has other enrollment windows for specific situations. If you are turning 65 and enrolling in Medicare for the first time, your initial enrollment period runs three months before, the month of, and three months after your birthday month. If you are still working and covered by an employer plan, you may have a different timeline — talk to your employer's benefits office.

If you lose employer coverage, you have a 60-day special enrollment period to join or change Medicare plans without penalty. The same applies if you move out of your plan's service area or if your plan leaves the Medicare program. These situations are treated differently from the regular open enrollment, so contact Medicare right away if one applies to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my mind after I enroll during open enrollment?

Yes, but only once. If you enroll in a new plan and then change your mind, you can switch to a different plan one time before January 1. After that, you are locked in until the next open enrollment. Make your choice carefully, and use the plan comparison tool to be sure before you enroll.

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

Call the plan directly or check its website to confirm your doctor is in the network before you enroll. If your doctor is not in the plan, you have two choices: pick a different plan that includes your doctor, or switch to Original Medicare, which does not have network restrictions. Original Medicare lets you see any doctor who accepts Medicare.

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

You are not required to enroll, but there is a penalty if you go without coverage and later want to join. The penalty is 1% of the national average Part D premium for each month you were not enrolled, and it stays with you for life. If you think you might need drugs in the future, it is usually cheaper to enroll now.

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

No. Medicare Advantage and Medigap are two different ways to get coverage, and you cannot have both. If you have Medigap and want to switch to Medicare Advantage, you will need to drop the Medigap policy first. Some Medigap policies are hard to get back if you change your mind, so think carefully before you switch.

What if I am on Medicaid as well as Medicare?

You have the same open enrollment window, but your state Medicaid program may have its own rules about which plans you can join. Contact your state Medicaid office or your SHIP counselor to understand how your Medicaid coverage affects your Medicare choices.