I'm worried about choosing the wrong plan and being stuck with it. How often can I change my Medicare coverage?

Question

Tony Capraro III · Accepted Answer

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Norman Smith · Answer

Firstly, this is why choosing correctly when there is NO UNDERWRITING is so important! If you do your research, you will find the plan that gives you the best coverage is Original Medicare with a “G” plan. There is nothing better if you can afford it.
Now if you choose a lesser plan, and stay in Original Medicare, but wish to go to a better Supplemental plan, you will be subject to Underwriting, but not for a lesser plan.
To go from a MA plan back to Original Medicare you can do this 1 time. 
So take the best while you can, pay your premiums, and eliminate your worries.

Charise Karjala · Answer

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Clarence &quot;Mark&quot; Christiansen · Answer

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David Silver · Answer

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Michael Andrews · Answer

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Michael Ryan · Answer

You can change your Medicare plan during specific enrollment periods throughout the year. Here are the key times when you can make changes:

1. **Initial Enrollment Period**: This is when you first become eligible for Medicare, typically around your 65th birthday. It lasts for seven months (three months before, the month of, and three months after your birthday).

2. **Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)**: From October 15 to December 7 each year, you can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or switch from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare.

3. **Open Enrollment Period for Medicare Advantage**: From January 1 to March 31, if you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare.

4. **Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)**: Certain life events, such as moving, losing other health coverage, or qualifying for Medicaid, may allow you to change your plan outside of the usual enrollment periods.

It's important to review your plan options annually, as your health needs and plan offerings may change.

Lauryn Ivey · Answer

In Alabama you get an Annual Enrollment Period from October 15th through December 7th every year and the plan would become effective and stay in place for the entire year (January 1st through December 31st).  There are very few Special Election Periods to make changes through the year and you have to have a qualifying reason to be able to use those Special Election Periods, such as moving. 

So, the short answer is you are locked in for the duration of the year until the Annual Enrollment Period to make any changes for the next years plan.

Edward Givens · Answer

I totally get why you're worried—Medicare can feel overwhelming, and no one wants to get stuck with a plan that doesn't fit. But here’s the good news, friend to friend: you’re not stuck forever.

You can make changes to your Medicare coverage every year during Open Enrollment, which runs from October 15 to December 7. That’s your chance to switch between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare, or to change your drug plan if something better comes along.

And if you do have a Medicare Advantage plan, there's even a second window—January 1 to March 31—called the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, where you can make a one-time switch to another Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare.

Plus, there are some special situations (like moving, losing coverage, or other life changes) that can give you an extra opportunity to switch—those are called Special Enrollment Periods.

Bottom line: You’ve got options, and I’ve got your back

Kathryn Zekas · Answer

First, its a good idea to work with a LOCAL licensed Medicare broker. They should take the time to review your individual situation and needs and educate you on your options, and help you find a good plan that is going to work for you at least for the rest of the year. But Medicare does have an Annual Enrollment Period from October 15th - December 7th each year, where you can reshop and enroll into a different plan for the upcoming year. There are also special circumstances that may apply to some people that may allow you to change your plan at different times. Your local broker can check that for you.

Answered by Kathryn Zekas on May 7, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL

Answered by Kathryn Zekas Medicare Insurance Agent

Scott Sims · Answer

If you like Medicare advantage, you can change between advantage plans every year. If you are on Medicare supplement, some states have the "Birthday Rule" which allows you to change to another supplement carrier with no underwriting 30-60 days within your Birthday. In many circumstances someone has a 12 month trial period with Medicare advantage. That means we can give an advantage plan a, "test run", if you will. We have 12 months to move from advantage to supplement without answering health questions (underwriting).

Answered by Scott Sims on April 10, 2025

Broker Licensed in OR, AZ, CA & 15 other states

Answered by Scott Sims Medicare Insurance Agent

James Romeo · Answer

Depending on which "style" of Medicare plan you have that will determine what changes you can make and when. This can get complicated best to have a back and forth conversation with a Licensed Insurance Agent and/or Medicare Broker to help you choose the right "style of plan" that fits your needs. But here is a basic answer Medicare Advantage and Part D Prescription Drug plans are allowed to be changes during the Annual Enrollment period which runs from October 15th - December 7th every fall! Medicare Supplement or Medigap plans you are more or less married to but you can get off of them during this time as well. But! Be careful doing this because you may not be able to get back onto them unless you answer medical questions and you could be denied in the future. There are other times of the year that you may be able to make changes depending on what plan you are on and life circumstances. There are what are called Special Election Periods that can run all year long. And the Advantage Plan Open Enrollment Period that runs from January 1st to March 31st each year. Yes you could get stuck with a style but you can always make changes but make sure you understand the good and bad of that change. You will hear out YES and you will be told you "can change" something but the real questions "should" I make that change? We can help!

Answered by James Romeo on April 9, 2025

Broker Licensed in MN

Answered by James Romeo Medicare Insurance Agent

Tracy Briley · Answer

If you choose a supplemental plan or Medi-gap plan then you can change when you want. Just remember that the only time you will NOT be underwritten is during your open enrollment period. If you choose a Medicare Advantage plan then you can change every year. You can also choose a supplement plan during open enrollment and change during the annual enrollment period for medicare advantage.

Answered by Tracy Briley on July 7, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AL, CA, FL & IA

Answered by Tracy Briley Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Bleicher · Answer

Your question is THE most worrisome among all seniors who are about to age into Medicare! So you are not alone! There are built-in safeguards that you can exercise but only in your first year of Medicare. The way it works is that due to the myriad of circumstances surrounding the Advantage plan, if the Medigap IS affordable, that is the initial plan to enroll with. But you do have an option to utilize what is called your “trial right”! But this can only happen while you’re still age 65, (without having to answer any medical questions). Since most people do like the predictive aspects of the Medigap, they can simply stay with that choice. The only thing to consider altering each year is the Part D(rug) plan which has to be purchased along with the Medigap. This is because of the volatility of Rx copays. Just because a drug plan is good in one year doesn’t mean necessarily that it remains as your best plan in the next year! The reason is that your doctor may write a new prescription that could be a brand name drug. If that were to occur, all bets are off! You might have to sign up with a new plan & with a new company.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on June 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Timothy Brown · Answer

Medicare advantage plans and stand alone prescription drug plans can be changed annually during certain enrollment periods, most notably the Annual Election Period which runs from October 15th-December 7th

Answered by Timothy Brown on May 19, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA, CT, DE & 15 other states

Answered by Timothy Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

Yasmery Vargas · Answer

You have 4 election periods permitted in the year. You can change during your Initial enrollment period, Annual enrollment period, open enrollment period, Special election period. The special election period can happen at any point in the year. It must be a qualifying life event. Included are new Medicaid eligibility, new extra help, New Pace/Pace net recipient, lost any of the things mentioned is also eligible for an SEP.

Answered by Yasmery Vargas on June 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA

Answered by Yasmery Vargas Medicare Insurance Agent

Shelly Hefley · Answer

When you first turn 65 or go onto Medicare, you have a guarantee issue. That is the most important time to make sure you get on the right supplement if you choose to do a supplement. Advantage plans you can change with no health history questions. It’s very important to get with a good agent that will get you on the right plan for you.

Answered by Shelly Hefley on April 11, 2025

Broker Licensed in IN, AL, IL, KY & TN

Answered by Shelly Hefley Medicare Insurance Agent

Bruce Kern · Answer

You canchange you coverage during AEP free m October 15 to Dec 7. Or during the open enrollment period from January 1 to March31

Doris Youngman · Answer

You can change your plan during certain times of the year. 
1.  You can change a plan from October 15 - December 7, known as the Annual Enrollment Period
2.  If during the following January 1 - March 31, you realize you don't like that plan either, you may make a ONE time change. That change is usually for the remainder of the year.
3.  There are always exceptions to that rule. For example, you move out of the plan area, or your insurance plan terminates you, or you lose your Medicaid status. There are others such as files, storms, hurricanes that also allow people to change plans during the year if FEMA has deemed it.

Hope this helps you.

Barbara Margucci · Answer

There may be opportunity to change your Medicare coverage, and a determination can easily be made based on your individual circumstances. To answer your question, I can offer you a no-cost, no-obligation needs analysis. Please call me to schedule 412-238-2007

Answered by Barbara Margucci on April 16, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA, OH & WV

Answered by Barbara Margucci Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Henderson · Answer

For Medicare supplement plans, you can change anytime as long as you're healthy enough. Some states have special rules which allow you to change even if you have health conditions 
Medicare advantage plan you have an annual enrollment. Which is October 15th to December 7th each year where you can change to a different Medicare advantage plan. Get out of it completely. Go back to original Medicare and or get a supplement plan 
January 1st March 31st you once again can exit your Medicare advantage plan. Go back to original Medicare or get a Medicare supplement plan on top of that

Carol Thompson · Answer

There is Open(Annual) Enrollment Period from Oct 15 through Dec 7 and Open enrollment  from Jan 1 to March 31st. 

If there is 5 Stars plans in your coverage area you can be moved to that plan or if there is a life changing event or catastrophic event.

Todd Bostic · Answer

You can change you Medicare Coverage between October 15 and December 7 every year as many times as you want, and whichever plan you are on December 7 is the plan you have beginning January 1 for the following year. The first time you switch to a Medicare Advantage plan you have options if you are switching from a Supplement. You have what is called a "Trial Right" You have 12 months to switch back to the same plan you were previously on and you don't have to go through underwriting. If you wait longer than 12 months, you have to go through underwriting.

Answered by Todd Bostic on May 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AL, AZ & 12 other states

Answered by Todd Bostic Medicare Insurance Agent

Sam Silva · Answer

Annual Open Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7)
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 - March 31)
You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you experience certain life events
Trial Period for Medicare Advantage & Medicare Supplement (Medigap)- Trial rights.

Rodolfo Rojas · Answer

Hello,
It depends on what coverage you have. 
Regular Medicare, Medicare Supplement, or Medicare Advantage. 
If you have Medicare Advantage, you will have special enrollments, or you use your Annual Enrollment every year to make changes.
Best to call and agent and allow us to go through your options.

David Christian · Answer

In most cases you choose a plan and stick with it for the year.  Occasionally a Special Election may be available to you if you move and change counties or other circumstances.

Chuck Winslow · Answer

You’re not stuck forever. You can change your Medicare plan once a year during the Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 to December 7. If your needs change, you can switch plans again next year — or sometimes even sooner if you qualify for a special reason like moving or having certain health conditions.

Answered by Chuck Winslow on June 16, 2025

Agent Licensed in IN

Answered by Chuck Winslow Medicare Insurance Agent

Diana Pedersen · Answer

There are two types of plans - 
1. Medicare Supplements: you can typically change anytime during the year as long as you qualify medically on some plans
2. Medicare Advantage plans: after your first 12 months, you are only able to change during the Annual Enrollment Period, or Open Enrollment Period or a Special Enrollment Period.

Philip Santucci · Answer

This depends on the type of plan you have. If it is a supplement your can change at any time but you have to health qualify for the new one. If it is an Advantage plan you can change once a year in October.

Answered by Philip Santucci on June 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in IL

Answered by Philip Santucci Medicare Insurance Agent

Heith Huguet · Answer

You can change your plan at minimum once per year. Changes in your financial situation, your health, or where you live can also trigger an opportunity to change. Call me and let me help you navigate the maze of Medicare choices at no charge with no obligation to enroll.

Answered by Heith Huguet on May 22, 2025

Broker Licensed in LA & MS

Answered by Heith Huguet Medicare Insurance Agent

Kimberly Griego · Answer

If you choose a Medicare Advantage or stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan, you can change that once per year, during the Annual Enrollment Period between October 15 and December 7, for a January 1 effective date. There is also an Open Enrollment Period from January 1 through March 31, for a one-time change, but only for those on a Medicare Advantage plan.

Answered by Kimberly Griego on May 4, 2025

Agent Licensed in WA, AZ, CA & 5 other states

Answered by Kimberly Griego Medicare Insurance Agent

I'm worried about choosing the wrong plan and being stuck with it. How often can I change my Medicare coverage?

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