How often can I change my Medicare Plan?

Question

Joanna Finnegan · Accepted 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, AR, AZ & 31 other states

Answered by Joanna Finnegan Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Church · Answer

Changing your Medicare plan depends on whether you're on Original Medicare with a Medigap plan or a Medicare Advantage plan. If you're on a Medicare Advantage plan, you generally have two opportunities each year to make changes. During AEP, from October 15th to December 7th, or during OEP, from January 1st to March 31st. There are SEP's. If you need clarification on your options, I would recommend meeting with a licensed Medicare agent who can best understand your situation.

Answered by Gary Church on December 17, 2025

Broker Licensed in Ca, AZ, NV & TX

Answered by Gary Church Medicare Insurance Agent

Mike Alexander · Answer

If you have a medi gap  you can change every month  on advantage plans you can change during Aep and oep

Steve and Sue Brauer · Answer

Hi, thanks for watching. My name is Steve, and I'm a husband, half of the husband and wife team here in Arizona. Sue is off today.

So the question we have today is, how often can I change my Medicare plan? Well, typically, there are two times a year when you can change your plan, depending on what kind of plan you have. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can change it during the annual enrollment period, which runs from October 15th through December 7th. Or you can also change your plan from January 1st of every year all the way through March 31st. That's from one Medicare Advantage plan to another Medicare Advantage plan.

If you have a supplement, otherwise known as a Medigap plan, and you want to change to a Medicare Advantage plan, that would only be during the annual enrollment period, which is October 15th through December 7th. For the drug plans, for the standalone Part D drug plans, the only time you can change is between October 15th and December 7th for a January 1st effective date.

But just remember, if you move out of the area or if you move into a different area, that typically opens what they call a special enrollment period where you can enroll. You have a certain number of days or months where you can enroll into a different plan because your circumstances have changed.

So really, get yourself a good independent agent, have them help you with that, and they can explain the different enrollment times for you.

Edward Smith, ChFC, CRPS, AIF · Answer

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can change every year during AEP, although I do not suggest this. If you move, or your Medicare plan cancels your coverage (due to no fault of your own) you will have a Special enrollment Period to change plans also.

If you are enrolled in original Medicare and also enrolled in a Medicare supplement, you can change anytime but will be subject to medical underwriting and possibly a declination.

John Becker · Answer

You can typically change your Medicare plan during the Fall Open Enrollment Period (October 15–December 7) each year, or during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1–March 31) if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. Additionally, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) and be able to switch plans at other times of the year due to certain life events, such as moving or losing other coverage. 

You can always attempt to make a change with your Medicare Supplement plan or switch from MA to Medicare supplement, but unless there are some special circumstances, and you are no longer in your initial enrollment period, you will have to get underwritten in order to be accepted by a new company.

Jonathan Potter · Answer

There is an enrollment period from 15 October until 7 December that you can use to change your plan. There is also one from January until March 31. After that you’d have to have a special enrollment to be able to change your plan. Some examples of this are if you move, if there is a natural disaster in your area and you were not able to make a plan change, if you are signing up for a chronic plan for a diabetic or heart conditions

Answered by Jonathan Potter on September 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in UT, AZ, CA & 14 other states

Answered by Jonathan Potter Medicare Insurance Agent

Ray McCauley · Answer

generally once per year at AEP. During AEP you can change your plan as many times as you want before AEP closes. Other than that, there are special enrollment periods throughout the year that may come up that would afford extra opportunities.

Answered by Ray McCauley on September 17, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, FL & ID, NV, SC & TN

Answered by Ray McCauley Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Whetstine · Answer

If you are in a Medicare Supplement Plan or a Medigap Plan, you can change your Medicare Supplement Plan at any time.  If you are not in your initial enrollment period or in a guaranteed issue period, you may be subject to underwriting.

One can change their plans during the Annual Enrollment Period.  For Medicare, any changes can be done between October 15th - December 7th.  If you have a Medicare Supplement Plan and want to change to a Medicare Advantage Plan or if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan and want to switch to a Medicare Supplement plan, you can change during this time.  You can change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan.  Plus, you can change from one Prescription Drug Plan to another Prescription Drug Plan.  The last selection you make by the end of the Annual Enrollment Period will be the plan that begins on the 1st of the new calendar year.

If you are during the Open Enrollment Period from January 1st to March 31st, you can make one change during this time.  You are allowed to switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another.  Also, you are allowed to switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan to a Medicare Supplement Plan or Medigap Plan and a Prescription Drug Plan.

Finally, you can change if there is a special election period.  This is typically due to a move or loss of coverage.  One would have up to 2 months after the event occurred.  Again, you have one opportunity to make your selection.

Jennifer McDonnell · Answer

You can change your Medicare supplement plan each and every day,
You can change your Medicare Advantage plan by selecting during the Annual Election Period (Oct 15-Dec7) as many times as you wish and it will use the one you select last during that period with an effective date of Jan 1st.
You can select a new Medicare Advantage plan again during the Open Enrollment Period (Jan 1 - Mar 31) but you may only change one time during this period.
You may select a new plan if you move out of the current area of the plan you have if you have a Medicare Advantage plan.
You may select a new plan if you are awarded a special election period.

Joel Gregory Craven · 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

Marc Rheingold · Answer

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)	Oct 15 – Dec 7 every year	Switch Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, switch Part D (drug plans), or return to Original Medicare
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment	Jan 1 – Mar 31 every year	If you already have Medicare Advantage, you can switch to a different Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare and join a Part D plan
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)	When you first become eligible (around age 65)	Join Medicare for the first time and choose plans
Part D Open Enrollment for 5-star plans	Year-round	Switch to a 5-star rated Medicare Advantage or Part D plan once per year

Jason Wisniewski · Answer

If you're already on Medicare you can change your plan at least once every year during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) from Oct.15-Dec. 31 each year.  Your new plan starts January 1st if you make a change during this time.

If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan you can change your plan at least 2 times per year.  Once during the Annual Enrollment (AEP) from Oct.15-Dec 31st each year, with a January 1st effective for your new plan if you make a change during the AEP and another chance from January 1st to March 31st, this is known as the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP).  During this period you can change plans and your new plan will start the 1st of the following month (for example if you change plans in January, your new plan starts in February, etc)

In addition to the AEP & OEP which occur annually, you may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) outside of these time frames which would allow you to make additional changes.  Some examples of an SEP include:

Moving to a new service area (changing county or state)
Qualifying for Extra Help (LIS or Medicaid)
Qualifying for a State Pharmacy Assistance Program (SPAP)
Loss of Employer Group coverage
Moving into a Nursing Home

And many other scenarios

Peyton Hanigan · Answer

It depends on the type of plan it is. For example, Medicare supplements can be changed anytime throughout the year as long as certain underwriting or guaranteed issue requirements are met. Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plan changes, however, are restricted to the Annual Enrollment Period which runs from October 15th- December 7th.

Answered by Peyton Hanigan on April 27, 2026

Agent Licensed in TX

Answered by Peyton Hanigan Medicare Insurance Agent

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.

Andrew Zurbuch, MBA · Answer

It depends on what type of Medicare Insurance plan you have. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, at least once a year. Thank you.

Plans are insured or covered by a Medicare Advantage (HMO, PPO and PFFS) organization with a Medicare contract and/or a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

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

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

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.

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, AL, CO & 6 other states

Answered by Tracy Davis Medicare Insurance Agent

Javier Salguero · Answer

You can change your Medicare plan at different times, including annually during the Open Enrollment Period (October 15–December 7) and the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1–March 31). There are also Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) that allow you to switch plans outside of these times due to qualifying life events, such as moving or losing other coverage.

Answered by Javier Salguero on November 3, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA & NV

Answered by Javier Salguero Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Henderson · Answer

Medicare advantage plans are in an annual contract. You can change them once a year between October 15th and December 7th 
Medicare supplement plans have no contract. You can change it anytime. However most states require you to pass medical underwriting and can be denied coverage if you have a serious illness

Mary Brown · Answer

You can change your Medicare coverage during the Annual Election Period (Oct 15–Dec 7), the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (Jan 1–Mar 31), or through Special Enrollment Periods.

Meghan Blankenship · Answer

You can change your Medicare plan during specific enrollment periods each year - or anytime if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).

Andrew Kelly · Answer

If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, that can be changed annually during the annual enrollment period, between October 15th and December 7th.

If you have Original Medicare with a Medigap Supplement, each state has different rules. For example in WA, they crafted a special law that allows you to change supplement at any time, without health questions. If you live in OR, you can change without health questions during your "birthday month" (30-days before or after your actual birthday.)

Eizel Mere · Answer

Plan changes occur in periods. The IEP or initial enrollment period is when you turn 65 (even if you had Medicare through disability) and are guaranteed issue for supplements. The AEP or annual enrollment period is from October 15 to December 7, and you can change your plan many times. The last one you choose will be the one to stick. OEP or Open enrollment is from January 1 to March 31, and you can change your plan once. There are SEP or special enrollment periods available throughout the year based on personal matters. For example, moving out of the coverage area, entering or leaving a care facility, getting out of prison, weather disaster, etc.

Answered by Eizel Mere on September 22, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL

Answered by Eizel Mere Medicare Insurance Agent

Brent Mowery · Answer

A Medicare Supplement can be changed whenever you are able to medically qualify for a new plan, not unless you live in a "Birthday Rule" state. A "Birthday Rule" state allows you to change plans without Medical Underwriting during your Birthday month or Anniversary date of your policy. 

A Medicare Advantage Plan can be changed during "Open Enrollment" (October 15th - December 7th) not unless you are eligible for a  Medicare"Special Enrollment" period.

Please contact me with any questions. Thanks!

James Wareheim · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/how-often-can-i-change-my-medicare-plan#james-wareheim

Christine Brewer · Answer

**Question: How often can I change my Medicare Plan?**

You can usually change your Medicare plan **once a year during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15–December 7)**, with some special situations allowing changes at other times. Knowing when and how you can switch helps ensure your coverage still fits your health and budget.

👉 **Need help reviewing your options?**
I am your trusted agent, **Christine**
Contact me
**Call today** to make sure your Medicare plan still works for you.

Patricia Graham · Answer

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

Sue Mendoza · Answer

You can change your Medicare plan from October 15th-December 7th each year. If you have an event, such as moving, you will need to change plans.

Tony Carlton · Answer

Thank you for the question. Medicare is too complicated for such an important need in retirement, so I'll try to keep it simple.
How often you can change my Medicare plan depends on whether you have Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement {a.k.a. MediGap plan} or a Medicare Advantage {Medicare Part C} plan.
Starting with MediGap Insurance, because this is privately contracted, you can make a change to this type of policy as often as you want. While knowing that you may need to undergo health underwriting each time. And so your health will be considered with every attempt to get a new policy from a different company. Most people only make a change after a premium increase. This is because a Plan G from any company must cover the 20% that Original Medicare does not cover.
Now regarding Medicare Advantage changes, under normal conditions this can usually be done once a year. The usually time is during the 'Annual Enrollment Period' {October 15th - December 7th}. But like seemingly all things government, there are exceptions... such as during a 'Special Enrollment Period' {SEP}. These SEP's are declared after natural disasters, i.e. hurricanes; floods; or tornadoes. These SEP's are for people in the area who have been impacted by these events and they are given the opportunity to change plans.
Finally, there is one more opportunity to change your Medicare Advantage plan that most people never realize. This opportunity goes under-used because Agents cannot outwardly market for this, as per CMS guidelines. That window is annually from January 1st through March 30th. This window is called the 'Open Enrollment Period'.
Hey dear Medicare questioner, I know this is a long and somewhat convoluted answer to your concise question but this is the shortest most concise answer that in my expertise, I can give.
Thank you for the opportunity to bring some clarity to this subject and God bless.

Jon Harkness · Answer

Three Medicare areas that you can change:

1) Supplemental Plans (Medigaps) can be changed any month - there is not a designated window that you have to hold to. However, if you are past your guarenteed issue (7th-month period) you will most likely be subject to Underwriting which will determine if you can go on to another plan or not.

2) Drug Plans (Part D) can be switched during the months of Oct. 15 - Dec. 7 (AEP - Annual Open Enrollment Period) or if a life-changing situation takes place you can change anytime of the year (SEP - Special Enrollment Period).

3) Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) allows the most change throughout the year. You have the AEP from Oct. 15 - Dec. 7. You also have a ONE time change that you can make if you want to go to a different Medicare Advantage Plan from the one you are currently on, or you can switch to a supplemental plan (Medigap) between Jan. 1 - Mar. 31 (OEP - Open Enrollment Period). And depending on your situation you can qualify to change for SEP.

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

Ida Washington · Answer

Most members can change their plan during the annual enrolment period that begins October 15 through Dec 7 and during the open enrollment period from January 1, through April 15. There are other periods that require a special events or circumstances such as you move to another location, getting married and the birth of a child, moving in or out nursing facility, etc.

Answered by Ida Washington on April 21, 2026

Broker Licensed in SC

Answered by Ida Washington Medicare Insurance Agent

Chase Strickland · Answer

Everyone with Medicare Part A & Part B can change their plan as many times as they'd like, and the last plan they've chosen during the (1) Annual Enrollment Period [AEP] (Oct. 15 - Dec. 7th) will become effective on January 1st.  

Then, Medicare gives everyone three months to test out their old or new plan. Everyone can change their Medicare Advantage plan one more time if they'd like during the (2) Open Enrollment Period [OEP] from Jan. 1 - March 31st, and that new plan will become effective on the first day of the next month.  

If you have full Medicaid and Medicare, you may change into another (3) Fully Integrated plan monthly if you wish.  Anyone can enroll in a (4) CNSP once during the 2nd or 3rd quarters if they don't already have one (as long as they have a qualifying condition).  There are other (5) Special Enrollment Periods and FEMA's available (in many areas), subject to qualifying conditions.

Keith Brown · Answer

You can change a Medicare Supplement plan nay time during the year. A Medicare Advantage plan can be changed during Open Enrollment (Oct 15 - Dec 7) or if you have a Special Enrollment during the year.

Answered by Keith Brown on June 8, 2026

Agent Licensed in NJ, FL, MO & PA

Answered by Keith Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

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