Can I change my Medicare plan after open enrollment ends?

Question

Michael Denniston · Accepted Answer

Yes, if you have LIS low income subsidy or extra help. If you moved to a new county or state. If you newly receive Medicaid. If you lose your Medicaid benefits, these all things that open you up to SEP Special Enrollment periods. If need help or advice call us today.

Answered by Michael Denniston on May 25, 2026

Agent Licensed in FL, AL, AR & 11 other states

Answered by Michael Denniston Medicare Insurance Agent

Kerwyn Jones · Answer

Yes! If there a SEP(Special Election Period) which would allow for a qualifying event. CMS has a list of these events

Dave Boehm · Answer

The Short answer is yes, but the long answer requires me to go into more detail.

If you just turned 65 and used your open enrollment option on a plan, then you need to wait till the Annual enrollment, which starts 10/15 of each year and ends on 12/7, to make changes.  These changes are for Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Drug plan Changes (Part D).  

-If you have opted for a Medicare supplement (Medigap plan), those have an open enrollment of 6 months from when you got your Part B, and in some states (like CA and OR), a recurring open enrollment around your birthday every year.-

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can also make a one-time change during the first 3 months of each year (Jan 1 through March 31),  called the Open enrollment for Medicare Advantage plans.

Lastly, you can change Medicare supplement plans from one plan to another whenever you want as long as you medically qualify.  That is because they are medically underwritten policies.  This will save you money if you switch from time to time (like care and home insurance).  Finally, there are Special election periods for Medicare Advantage and Drug plans where you can change throughout the year due to special circumstances, and this is like if you moved or have a chronic condition.  

All in all, call me Dave Boehm (Medicare Dave) so I can help you navigate this and get you into the right plan for you.

Justin Brock · Answer

Open enrollment is generally associated with the annual election period between 10/15 and 12/7. 

If that is the one you’re asking about, there are some things you can do during other period of the year.

During the annual election period you can change between Medicare advantage plans, part d plans or add a part d or Medicare advantage plan.. you can also leave any of those plans without changing to another if you choose.

During the Open Enrollment period January 1st to March 31st you can change between Medicare Advantage plans but you cannot go from original Medicare to Medicare advantage or shop part D.

The rest of the year you can only make any of these changes if you qualify for some special election period or you’re new to Medicare.

Mary Brown · Answer

Yes, in some cases. You may be able to change your Medicare plan after Open Enrollment if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) due to certain life events, such as moving, losing coverage, qualifying for Extra Help/Medicaid, or other special circumstances.

Answered by Mary Brown on May 25, 2026

Broker Licensed in NJ, DE, FL & NC, OH, PA & TX

Answered by Mary Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

Jeffrey Sodikoff · Answer

YES, DURING THE OPEN ENROLLMENMT PERIOD FROM JANUARY TO THE END OF MARCH. THERE ARE SOME RESTRICTIONS

Chuck Winslow · Answer

Yes — in many cases you absolutely can change your Medicare plan even after Open Enrollment ends.

A lot of people assume they are locked into their plan for the entire year, but there are several Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) that may allow you to make changes depending on your situation.

Some common examples include:

• Moving to a new area
• Losing employer coverage
• Qualifying for Medicaid or Extra Help
• Being diagnosed with certain chronic conditions that qualify for a Special Needs Plan (C-SNP)
• Recently retiring or losing credible coverage
• Qualifying for a 5-Star Medicare plan in your area
• Changes related to nursing home or long-term care situations

There’s also the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 – March 31 each year, where individuals already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can make a one-time change.

The important thing is not to assume you’re stuck. I talk with seniors all the time who were told they had to wait an entire year when they actually qualified for a change immediately.

Every situation is different, which is why having someone review your options can make a huge difference.

I’m always happy to answer questions and help people understand what options may be available — at absolutely no cost.

Chuck Winslow
US Marine Veteran 🇺🇸
Retirement & Legacy Planner
Contact me.

Mirian Mercado · Answer

Yes, it depends on the situation if you qualify for special enrollment 
If you move 
Lost other coverage 
You became eligible for Medicaid or ended Medicaid 
If you already have Medicare advantage plan you can switch to another Medicare advantage plan during January 1-March 31

Jaime Umanzor · Answer

Yes, there are special variables that would allow you to do so. I’d love to take a look and see what your options are.

Lacresha Holliday · Answer

You can change your medicare part C options after open enrollment. There's different life situations that will allow for changes called special enrollment periods.