How do I change my Medicare plan during open enrollment?

Question

Rich Baker · Accepted Answer

People often confuse Open Enrollment with Annual Enrollment, so I’ll address both. 

Annual enrollment (AEP) lasts from October 15th to December 7th each year. You can enroll in a medicare advantage plan or prescription drug plan, disenroll (go back to original medicare) or change your coverage. You can make multiple changes in this time frame. Whatever plan you’ve set up as of close of business December 7th is the plan you’ll have come January 1st. 

How do you change your coverage? All you need to do is enroll in the new plan you want (on or after October 15th). The disenrollment from your current coverage happens automatically so you don’t even need to contact them. You can enroll via the carrier’s web site, through Medicare.gov, or with the assistance of a licensed sales agent (my favorite option). A sales agent will work with you to ensure your doctors accept the new plan, your medications are covered, you’re not sacrificing something important in the process, etc. They’ll compare the plans they’re appointed with in your area and present you with the options.

Open enrollment (MA-OEP) happens from January 1st to March 31st and is only for people with a Medicare Advantage plan in place. Agents aren’t allowed to market this enrollment period so many people don’t know about it. In AEP, people often change plans and find out in the new year they don’t like the new one, or they hear about a plan their neighbor got and wish they had signed up for that one instead. MA-OEP gives people ONE change - think of it as a do-over - in the first quarter. Any changes go into effect the 1st of the next month, and after April 1, for most people the ability to change again won’t happen until the next AEP. The process to enroll in a new plan is the same as in AEP. 

AEP is just around the corner so I hope this was helpful!!

Nancy Courser · Answer

There are several ways to make changes during open enrollment which is also referred to as the Annual Election Period. This takes place in the fall (10/15 - 12/07) for a January 1st effective date. You can contact an agent/broker for assistance, call the plan provider, or even go to Medicare.gov and change your Part C/D (Advantage Plan) or Part D (Prescription Drug Plan)

Answered by Nancy Courser on May 11, 2026

Agent Licensed in MI, FL & TN

Answered by Nancy Courser Medicare Insurance Agent

Chris Oates · Answer

During the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7), you can review and change your Medicare coverage for the following year. This may include switching Medicare Advantage plans, returning to Original Medicare, or changing your prescription drug coverage. I help clients compare their current plan with available options to make sure their coverage, doctors, prescriptions, and costs still fit their needs.

Answered by Chris Oates on May 7, 2026

Broker Licensed in MD, DC, DE & 8 other states

Answered by Chris Oates Medicare Insurance Agent

Ja&#039;el Michael · Answer

One option is to call your local insurance broker or licensed agent. If you enroll in a plan through a trusted agent, that person can serve as an additional resource you can contact with healthcare or coverage questions at no additional cost to you, since insurance companies compensate licensed agents for helping members with their coverage.

Another option is to call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit Medicare.gov to review your plan options. Just keep in mind that if you enroll directly through Medicare, you would typically contact the member services number on the back of your insurance card anytime you need help with your plan benefits or coverage questions.

Either way, it’s important to provide your doctors, prescriptions, and preferred pharmacies so you can help ensure your medications and providers are covered during the transition.

Daniel Neale · Answer

You can change your Medicare Advantage plan during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP), which runs from January 1 through March 31 each year. During this time, if you already have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare, with your new coverage typically starting the first day of the following month.

Answered by Daniel Neale on May 7, 2026

Agent Licensed in CA, FL, ME & 8 other states

Answered by Daniel Neale Medicare Insurance Agent

Sandra Bailey · Answer

To change your Medicare plan during Open Enrollment, you can contact your current agent or broker or contact us.

  If you call the company direct, they will enroll you in one of their plans. 

If you call an agent who works for a company, they will enroll you in their specific company’s plan. 

However, if you contact a Medicare Broker, we will shop the carriers to find the best plan for you. 

Thanks for asking

Gary Haft · Answer

Call an insurance agent who represents several carriers so he or she can help you choose a new plan. Or if you wish to stay with your carrier, call the customer service number in your ID Card and ask for help in choosing a new plan.

Answered by Gary Haft on July 13, 2026

Agent Licensed in FL, AL, DC & 9 other states

Answered by Gary Haft Medicare Insurance Agent

Larry Plyler · Answer

Get it touch with a licensed agent that has been certified for the coming year. Open enrollment begins October 15th and ends DECEMBER 7th. 

Drug plans anf Medicare Advantahe pland are affected by the Open Enrollment period stated above.

Cindy Dedini · Answer

An agent can assist you with changing your Medicare plan during open enrollment or you can go to www.medicare.gov and change your plan yourself online.

Randy Spencer · Answer

You can contact your current insurance carrier and discuss with a representative from that company. Or contact a trusted advisor that will give you an unbiased opinion of the plans available in your area.

Answered by Randy Spencer on July 6, 2026

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Randy Spencer Medicare Insurance Agent

Janet Elliott · Answer

Open enrollment occurs January 1 through March 31.  If you're doubting your med advantage plan or med supplement is the right one for you, call your agent and put them to work for you!

Gisele Salas · Answer

You can enroll in any new Medicare plan available i.e. Medicare advantage supplement
Prescription drug

Zachary Whitaker · Answer

Reach out to a licensed Medicare Insurance Agent and let them know you want to schedule an appointment to review your coverage.

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How do I change my Medicare plan during open enrollment?

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Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own

Related Questions

Agent Locator

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A non-government resource website