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Open enrollment, your opportunity to choose a Part D prescription drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan for the coming year, is Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. If you miss this annual open enrollment period, you’ll be reenrolled automatically in your current plan as long as it’s offered in your area.
Considering that coverage and costs vary from year to year, your current plan may no longer be your best choice. After open enrollment ends, you may still qualify to switch your coverage in certain circumstances.
When can I switch Medicare Advantage plans after open enrollment?
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan and want to switch to another plan that provides better coverage for your doctors or drugs — or leave Medicare Advantage for original Medicare — several opportunities exist that may let you make changes after open enrollment, including:
From Jan. 1 to March 31: Anyone with a Medicare Advantage plan can switch to another plan or leave Medicare Advantage for original Medicare and join a Part D plan during this time, called the Medicare Advantage open enrollment period. Your new coverage begins the first day of the month after you switch. You can’t get a Medicare Advantage plan during this time if you don’t already have one.
Be aware: If you leave Medicare Advantage for original Medicare and want a Medigap policy to help cover Medicare’s deductibles and copayments, this supplemental coverage may not be guaranteed. Medigap insurers in most states can charge more or reject you because of preexisting conditions unless you buy a Medigap policy during certain times.
During your first year in Medicare Advantage. You can leave Medicare Advantage for original Medicare anytime during this 12-month trial period. You can also sign up for a Part D prescription drug plan and qualify for a special enrollment period to get Medigap coverage regardless of preexisting conditions.
More on Medicare
How to Sign Up: A Guide to Medicare Enrollment
When you can enroll for health coverage, the best ways to do it and how to avoid penalties
10 Common Medicare Mistakes to Avoid
Errors can prove costly to new enrolleesThe Big Choice: Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage
Which path you take will determine how you get your medical care — and how much it costs