How often can I change my Medicare Plan?

Question

Joel Gregory Craven · Accepted Answer

Well it depends on which plan you have. For instance, PDP and MAPD have set times of the year when you can change or enroll in a plan. Where as with a Medicare Supplement "Medicare Gap" plans you can usually change month to month based on your health conditions or Guaranteed issued status. Like if you are coming off a creditable group insurance plan then you would have 63 days to enroll in a plan with no underwriting questions. The Annual Election Period (AEP Oct 15-Dec 7) is the time of the year when you can enroll or change MAPD (Medicare Advantage) or PDP (Part D Drug Coverage) There are also what's known as a SEP (Special Election Period) like FEMA declarations, moving state to state, etc. Get with a trained experienced Insurance Agent for more help and guidance.

Answered by Joel Gregory Craven on August 13, 2025

Broker Licensed in MS, AL, AZ & 5 other states

Answered by Joel Gregory Craven Medicare Insurance Agent

Dawn Young · Answer

Hello,

Hope this answer helps:  Medicare does not generally cover 24/7 in-home care for dementia patients who wander or require constant supervision. While Medicare may cover some home health services, such as intermittent skilled nursing care and therapy, it does not cover the custodial care (like bathing, dressing, and toileting) or the constant supervision needed for wandering. 
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
What Medicare might cover:
Home Health Services: Medicare Part A may cover a limited amount of home health care, but only if the individual is "homebound" and requires intermittent skilled nursing care or therapy, like physical therapy or speech therapy. 
Hospice Care: If a dementia patient transitions to hospice care, Medicare Part A will cover hospice services, which can be provided at home. 
Medicare Advantage Plans: Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional benefits for individuals with chronic conditions, including some assistance with activities of daily living, but these benefits vary by plan. 
PACE Programs: The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) can provide comprehensive medical and social services, including some home healthcare, for eligible older adults with dementia. 
What Medicare does not cover:
24/7 Custodial Care: This includes assistance with activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, toileting, and meal preparation. 
Constant Supervision: Medicare does not cover the cost of 24/7 supervision for wandering or safety concerns. 
Long-Term Care in the Home: Medicare is not designed to pay for long-term custodial care in the home. 
Other potential funding sources:
Medicaid: Medicaid may provide coverage for in-home care services for individuals who meet specific financial and medical criteria. 
Private Pay: Families may need to pay for in-home care services out-of-pocket. 
Long-Term Care Insurance: Some individuals may have long-term care insurance policies that can help cover the costs of in-home care.

John Henley · Answer

Generally, you can change your plan once a year during open enrollment. If you have a Plan c for sure it is during open enrollment.

Michael Pyers · Answer

If you are referring to an Advantage plan or Part D plan, there specific times when you can change them unless you have a special enrollment period. Medigap plans can be changed any time as long as you are able to answer the health questions positively.

Answered by Michael Pyers on August 11, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH & MI

Answered by Michael Pyers Medicare Insurance Agent

Leslie Kaz · Answer

Most people can only change their Medicare Advantage or drug plan once a year in the fall, unless you have a special circumstance. Medigap plans can be changed anytime, but you may need to qualify based on your health.

Answered by Leslie Kaz on August 11, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AZ & 7 other states

Answered by Leslie Kaz Medicare Insurance Agent

Joanna Finnegan · Answer

It depends on the type of Medicare plan that you have. If you have a Medicare advantage plan or prescription drug plan, you can change that plan between October 15 and December 7. This is the annual enrollment period. Between January 1 and March 31 you can change your Medicare advantage plan one more time, but you must already be enrolled in a Medicare advantage plan to make that change. If you have a Medicare supplement plan, you can change that plan anytime however, with few exceptions, you will have to answer medical questions and could be denied if you do not pass underwriting.

Answered by Joanna Finnegan on August 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in ID, CA, CO, MT, OR & WA

Answered by Joanna Finnegan Medicare Insurance Agent

Tracy Davis · Answer

The great thing about Medicare is that you are not locked in for life. You have options to change your plan throughout the year. If you were to retire, go into a nursing home, change to a new service location, get a chronic condition, etc then you are permitted a special enrollment to change your plans. You have annual open enrollment each year, October 15-December 7, to change your prescription drug plan and advantage plan for the follow year (beginning January 1). You also have an Open Enrollment period January 1-March 31 to switch from one advantage plan to another (say your doctor isn't in network or your prescription is not covered). If you are on a Medicare Supplement (F,G,N) then you have an open enrollment each month of the year to see if you can answer the underwriting (health) questions and re-write your plan with another carrier and reduce your premium ;)

Answered by Tracy Davis on August 11, 2025

Broker Licensed in IN, CO, FL & KY, NM, OH & TN

Answered by Tracy Davis Medicare Insurance Agent

Patricia Graham · Answer

Medicare supplements are month-to-month; an advantage plan is a yearly contract with the exception of a special enrollment period.

Parris Brady · Answer

AEP starts October 15 th through December 7th. You can change plans as often as you like during that time period. However, after January 1st through March 31st (OEP), if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you are allowed only one (1) change to another Medicare Advantage plan.

Answered by Parris Brady on August 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AZ, CA & 18 other states

Answered by Parris Brady Medicare Insurance Agent

How often can I change my Medicare Plan?

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A non-government resource website