Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7, 2025
Open Enrollment is the yearly window when you can switch Medicare plans, add or drop coverage, or change how you receive your benefits. For 2025, that window opens on October 15 and closes on December 7. Any changes you make during this period take effect on January 1, 2025.
This is the only time most people can make changes to their Medicare coverage without a penalty. If you miss the important date, you will be locked into your current plan for the entire year unless you experience a may have access to life event — such as losing employer coverage, moving to a new state, or a death in your family.
The dates are the same every year, so if you remember October 15 to December 7, you will know when to act.
Key Takeaways
- Open Enrollment for 2025 runs from October 15 through December 7, and any changes take effect January 1, 2025.
- You can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, move between Advantage plans, or drop prescription drug coverage — but only during this window.
- Medicare will mail you a notice in September or early October listing your current plan and the plans available in your area for 2025.
- You can compare plans and make changes online at Medicare.gov, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE, or in person at a local Senior Center or library.
- If you miss the December 7 important date, you cannot change plans until the next Open Enrollment period unless you have a may have access to life event.
What you can change during Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment lets you make several types of changes to your Medicare coverage. You can switch from Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) to a Medicare Advantage plan, or move from one Advantage plan to another. You can also switch back from Advantage to Original Medicare if you decide that works better for you.
If you have a prescription drug plan (Part D), you can drop it, switch to a different plan, or add one if you do not currently have coverage. You can also change your Medigap supplemental insurance plan during this time, though some Medigap changes may have different rules depending on your state and age.
Plans change their costs, covered doctors, and covered medications every year. Even if you were happy with your plan in 2024, the 2025 version may have higher premiums, a different deductible, or a different pharmacy network. Open Enrollment is your chance to review what is actually available to you and switch if something better fits your needs and budget.
How to find out what plans are available in your area
In September or early October 2025, Medicare will mail you a notice that lists your current plan and shows you which plans are available where you live. This notice is your starting point — keep it handy when you are comparing options.
You can also search for plans yourself on Medicare.gov. Go to the "Find Care Providers & Suppliers" section, enter your zip code, and you will see every Original Medicare option, Medicare Advantage plan, and Part D drug plan available to you. The site shows you the monthly premium, deductible, copays, and which doctors and pharmacies are in each plan's network.
If you do not have internet access or prefer to talk to someone, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). A representative can walk you through your options over the phone and answer questions about specific plans. The line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during Open Enrollment.
When to make your changes
You do not have to wait until the last day. In fact, it is smarter to make your decision earlier in the Open Enrollment window so you have time to catch any mistakes or ask questions if something is unclear. Many people make their changes in late October or November, which gives Medicare time to process the paperwork before January 1.
If you wait until late November or early December, you risk missing the important date if you run into technical problems or need to call for help. The busiest days are usually the last week of Open Enrollment, so lines are shorter and wait times are shorter if you act sooner.
Mark October 15 on your calendar now. If you know you want to make a change, you can start comparing plans in September as soon as you receive your notice from Medicare.
What happens if you miss the important date
If December 7 passes and you have not made a change, you will stay in your current plan for all of 2025. You cannot switch plans again until the next Open Enrollment period in October 2025, unless you have a may have access to life event.
A may have access to life event includes losing employer coverage, moving to a different state, getting married or divorced, having a baby, or the death of a spouse. If one of these happens to you, you have 60 days from the date of the event to make a change. You will need to contact Medicare and provide proof of the event — such as a marriage certificate, a moving company receipt, or a death certificate.
Some people also have a Special Enrollment Period if they are newly may be able to access for Medicare or if they lose coverage from an employer or union. These periods have their own important date and rules, so if you think you might may have access to, call 1-800-MEDICARE to ask.
How to make your changes
You have three main ways to change your plan during Open Enrollment. The fastest is online at Medicare.gov. You can log in with your Medicare account, compare plans side by side, and submit your choice in minutes. Your confirmation appears on screen right away.
You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE and speak to a representative who will help you compare plans and make your selection over the phone. This takes longer than the website, but it is a good option if you have questions or do not feel comfortable using the internet.
A third option is to visit in person. Many local Senior Centers, libraries, and Area Agencies on Aging have staff who can help you compare plans and make changes during Open Enrollment. Call your local Area Agency on Aging to find out where you can get help near you.
What to watch for when comparing plans
When you are looking at plans for 2025, pay attention to the monthly premium first — that is what you will pay every month no matter what. Then look at the deductible, which is the amount you have to pay out of your own pocket before the plan starts paying. A plan with a low premium might have a high deductible, so you need to think about how much medical care you actually use.
Check whether your current doctors and pharmacies are in the plan's network. A plan might look good on paper, but if your cardiologist is not in the network, you will have to pay more or switch doctors. Call your doctor's office and ask if they accept the plan you are thinking about.
If you take prescription medications, look up each drug on the plan's formulary — that is the list of covered medications. The plan might cover your blood pressure medicine but not your arthritis medication, or it might cover both but at different costs. Some plans require you to try a cheaper drug first before they will cover the one your doctor prescribed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my plan more than once during Open Enrollment?
Yes. You can change your mind as many times as you want between October 15 and December 7. Only your final selection on December 7 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time will take effect on January 1. If you make a mistake or change your mind, you can make another change before the important date.
What if my plan is being discontinued?
If your current plan is ending, Medicare will send you a notice in advance telling you so. You will be automatically moved to a different plan in the same company if one is available, but you can choose a different plan entirely during Open Enrollment. You are not stuck with Medicare's automatic choice.
Do I have to change my plan every year?
No. If you are happy with your current plan and its costs are not changing much, you can stay in the same plan. But it is a good idea to review your plan every year during Open Enrollment, because premiums, deductibles, and drug coverage change annually.
What if I turn 65 and become may be able to access for Medicare during 2025?
If you turn 65 between January and September 2025, you will have your own Initial Enrollment Period when you first become may be able to access. You can choose your plan during that time. If you turn 65 between October and December, you can use Open Enrollment to choose your plan, and coverage will start January 1, 2025.
Can I switch back to Original Medicare if I chose a Medicare Advantage plan?
Yes. During Open Enrollment, you can switch from any Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare. Keep in mind that if you drop Advantage coverage, you may want to buy a Medigap supplemental plan at the same time, because Original Medicare does not cover all costs. Some Medigap plans have limited availability depending on your age and state.