Can I change my Medicare plan at any time? Should I switch Medicare plans? When can you enroll in or change Medicare plans?

These are common questions for people who have Medicare. If you’re thinking about making a change to your coverage, you’ll want to mark Oct. 15-Dec. 7 on your calendar. This is known as the Medicare Open Enrollment Period.

What is the Medicare Open Enrollment Period?

Medicare's Open Enrollment Period is an annual timeframe when all people with Medicare can re-evaluate their plan(s) and needs and then, add, drop, or switch their Medicare health plan(s). This is a great opportunity to compare your current plan(s) to others on the market and make changes to better suit your needs and budget.

When is the Open Enrollment Period?

 

If you’re using the Open Enrollment Period to choose a new Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Medicare Part D plan, that new coverage will begin on Jan. 1 of the coming year. For example, if you enroll in a different Medicare Advantage plan in November of 2024, your coverage will take effect Jan. 1, 2025.

During the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, you can make the following changes:

• If you have (or are signing up for) Medicare Parts A or B, you can join or drop a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
• If you have original Medicare (Parts A and B), you can switch to a Medicare Advantage plan.
• If you have a Medicare Advantage plan , you can drop it and switch back to original Medicare (Parts A and B).
• If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan.
• If you have a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, you can switch to a different Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.

Why you should reevaluate your Medicare coverage during Open Enrollment

Each year, insurance companies may make changes to Medicare plans that can impact your out-of-pocket costs. These changes can include monthly premiums, deductibles, drug costs, and provider or pharmacy “networks" (a network is a list of doctors, hospitals, or pharmacies that negotiate prices with insurers). These changes may also affect a plan’s formulary, which is a list of covered drugs.

Are Medicare Advantage plans worth it? This is something only you can decide based on your health care needs and budget. Given these yearly changes, it is a good idea to re-evaluate your current Medicare plan each year to make sure it provides the coverage you need at a cost you can afford.

Below are some additional benefits of re-evaluating coverage during the Open Enrollment Period:

1. Switching to a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan that better meets your individual needs can reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
2. If your doctor is no longer considered in-network, you will likely save money by switching plans to make sure your doctors remain in-network for the upcoming calendar year.
3. During Medicare's Open Enrollment Period, you may be able to switch to a more comprehensive plan at a price similar to what you’re already paying.

What should I do next? Start comparing Medicare plans and learn more about your coverage options

If you’re wondering, Which type of care is not covered by Medicare? or Does Medicare pay for prescriptions?, there are several credible resources that can answer your questions and help you find the plan that's best for you. 

To get Medicare support from a trusted expert who can explain information in clear, easy-to-understand terms, you can reach out to one of NCOA’s partner brokers that meet our Medicare Standards of Excellence.

Your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is another resource for getting help understanding your Medicare options and how you can save money on costs. You can find your local SHIP by calling 877-839-2675 or visiting shiphelp.org. SHIP uses trained volunteers to offer trusted, unbiased Medicare counseling.

You can also get help from Medicare directly. You can compare 2025 coverage options and shop for plans using Medicare Plan Finder or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE to talk with a customer support representative. TTY users should call 877-486-2048. The Medicare Support Hotline is available 24/7, except for some federal holidays.

Once you choose a Medicare plan that meets your needs, don’t forget to let your physician and other health care providers know about your new coverage.

Want to learn more about Medicare coverage and costs? Visit our Medicare for Older Adults resource library.