Should I switch Medicare plans? Is it too late to change Medicare plans?

These are questions you may find yourself wondering and, if so, when you can make changes to your coverage.

It's common for older adults’ health needs and budgets to change from year to year, which is why it’s important to review your Medicare plan annually to ensure it still meets your needs.

While all Medicare users can make changes during the regular Open Enrollment Period of Oct. 15–Dec. 7, people who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan (also known as Medicare Part C), get another chance to modify their coverage each year. They also get a one-time window of opportunity to make changes after initially joining Medicare.

So, when exactly can you make changes to your Medicare Advantage plan? Let’s look at the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period’s two timeframes: Annual and Individual.

When is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs Jan. 1–March 31 each year. If you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan on Jan. 1, then the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period gives you an extra three-month window of time to consider your options and make changes.

If you’re new to Medicare and have Medicare Part A and Part B, and you're also enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan during your initial coverage election period, you can also participate in an individual Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. You have a three-month period from the start of your coverage during which you can switch plans.

Changes made during either the annual or individual Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period will take effect the month after you make your change request. For example, if you switch to a new Medicare Advantage plan on Jan. 15, your new coverage will take effect on Feb. 1.

What changes can I make during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?

Both the annual and the individual Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period allow Medicare beneficiaries already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan a one-time election to either:

• Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan, OR
• Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to Original Medicare with or without a Part D prescription drug plan.

Note: This enrollment period does not allow for Part D changes for individuals enrolled in original Medicare.

Where can I get trusted Medicare advice?

There’s a lot to consider when choosing a plan, but you don’t have to do it alone. You can call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) to talk with a customer support representative about your Medicare questions and concerns or visit the Medicare.gov website to start a live chat. TTY users should call 877-486-2048. The Medicare Support Hotline is available 24/7, except for some federal holidays.

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 partners who meet our stringent Medicare Standards of Excellence.

You may also consider contacting your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which uses trained volunteers to offer trusted, unbiased Medicare counseling.