I want to switch to Medicare Advantage this year. How do I do this?
Answered by 65 licensed agents
Answered by Terri Reagin on September 5, 2025
Broker Licensed in OK, AR, CO & 6 other states
Question: I want to switch to Medicare Advantage this year. How do I do this?
Well, during annual enrollment from October 15th to December 7th, you can change your Medicare Advantage plan or go back to return to Medicare. Or, during open enrollment weeks from January 1st to March 31st, you can change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another once during that calendar year or go back to return to Medicare.
But the best thing to do is sit down with a licensed Medicare agent who can advise you and help you look at your options. It's very important to make sure that your doctors, specialists, and the hospital you're going to be using are all in that network with that Medicare Advantage plan, as not all plans are equal. So it's best to be advised by a licensed Medicare agent. Hopefully, that answers your question.
Answered by Gary Church on March 3, 2026
Broker Licensed in Ca, AZ, NV & TX
Once you select the plan the broker can enroll you. As the plan is processed, it will automatically disenroll you from the prescription drug plan you are currently on. This will take place at the start of the new coverage period. For AEP your old PDP will end on December 31st, 2025 and your new MAPD will begin on January 1st, 2026.
It is important to remember that your Medicare supplement will not be cancelled automatically. You will need to call that carrier personally and cancel the plan. If you don't, the carrier will continue to charge you for the supplement.
Answered by Mark Bilgere on November 11, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX, AR, IN & LA, MN, NE & OK
Answered by Daniel Brechin on December 14, 2025
Agent Licensed in AL, FL, KY, MS & TN
What people miss is that - especially this coming year - MA plans have severe cutbacks and drawbacks. The plans are limited, and are being cancelled. If you find that you can’t get to the Doctors or Specialists that you want, because they can drop out of Network at any time, and you would then like to get back to Original Medicare, you will have to go through Underwriting. If you can afford it, it’s probably not the strongest choice for you. I would do a ton of research before I moved away from Original Medicare.
But if you should still decide that’s what you want to do, find a professional agent who can guide you through some of the best options for you during Open Enrollment so that you can start on 1/1/2026.
Answered by Norman Smith on September 4, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL, AL, NJ & PA
Answered by Christopher Boyd on September 4, 2025
Agent Licensed in IN, KY, MI, OH, PA & TN
You can call our office and we will be able to help you, compare and review all the plan,s and find you the one that works best for you.
Contact me.
Answered by George Ibanez on November 2, 2025
Broker Licensed in AR, AL, AZ & 40 other states
Voss Speros here, Greek god of Medicare. Medicare is all Greek to you, your luck. I'm Greek. So the question is, I want to switch to a Medicare Advantage plan this year. How do I go about doing that?
So the thing is, right now from January to March, there's Medicare open enrollment for Medicare Advantage. So if you're on it, you can switch to another one. But if you're on a supplement and you want to switch to an Advantage plan, you kind of need to wait till open enrollment unless there's some kind of major special election that happens. You move counties or maybe you're dropping your work coverage and coming on to an Advantage plan or something. But always go to check with a broker to see what election periods are available to you to make that change over.
If you're going on Medicaid for some reason, that'll give you a window to go to an Advantage plan. But generally, from a supplement to an Advantage plan, it's at the end of the year during open enrollment time. All you do is sit down with a broker, find a plan that works best for you, that covers your doctors and drugs, and you apply for it. That will drop your Part D plan and enroll you in a Medicare Advantage plan with a prescription drug plan.
If you're getting a drug plan, then you'll have to call the supplement company and say, "Hey, my new plan, my Advantage plan is starting on this date. I need you to drop my supplemental plan on this date." So you gotta cancel your supplemental plan. Just remember that it's not going to drop off automatically. If you have any questions, give us a call. Be more than happy to send out an agent. Have a great day!
Answered by Voss Speros on March 23, 2026
Broker Licensed in AZ, CA, CO & 19 other states
Answered by Ann Sanfelippo on March 30, 2026
Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AZ & 14 other states
Answered by Bill Wheeler on November 4, 2025
Broker Licensed in KY & IN
Answered by Pamela Masters on March 2, 2026
Broker Licensed in NC
Answered by Edward Smith, ChFC, CRPS, AIF on November 17, 2025
Broker Licensed in OH, GA, IN, KY & TN
Answered by Ronnie Robinson Jr on September 25, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, AL, GA & 9 other states
Answered by Shelly Hefley on December 19, 2025
Broker Licensed in IN, AL, IL, KY & TN
- For some people I would recommend exactly that.
- For other people I would recommend exactly not that.
If you have been paying for a supplement for 10 or 15 years now is probably not the time to switch. Now is when you will be more likely to have larger bills. Switching to a medicare advantage plan now may not be the best idea.
If, however, you are just beginning Medicare I would recommend a medicare advantage plan for Zero dollars, a hospital umbrella policy, and a cancer heart attack and stroke policy. Looking through a medicare advantage co pays those would be the areas of greater risk.
By choosing to protect yourself in case of Cancer or a Heart Attack umbrella package would make the most sense for most people.
Answered by Vincent Murray on May 11, 2026
Agent Licensed in ME, FL & NH
Answered by Justin Doherty on September 26, 2025
Broker Licensed in PA, CO, CT & 11 other states
Answered by Patricia 'Tif" Bush on September 4, 2025
Broker Licensed in ct, FL, NC & SC
The most important window is the Annual Election Period, which runs October 15 – December 7 each year. During that time, you can enroll into a Medicare Advantage plan, switch from one plan to another, or return to Original Medicare. Coverage typically begins on January 1. If you’re already on a Medicare Advantage plan, there’s also a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 – March 31, when you can make one change: either switch Advantage plans or drop back to Original Medicare. Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) apply if you’ve had a qualifying life event like moving, losing employer coverage, or changes to your eligibility.
For those of you in South Carolina, Live Well Benefit Advisors is an excellent resource. Based in Charleston (virtual appointments available) and operating across South Carolina, we specialize in helping with Medicare, health insurance, life insurance, annuities, and Social Security planning.
Our approach is highly personalized — they take time to understand your unique needs, budget, provider preferences, and prescription drug requirements before recommending plans. By comparing premiums, out‑of‑pocket costs, doctors in‑network, and extra benefits (vision, dental, hearing, etc.), they aim to help you find a plan that fits both your health and financial goals.
Answered by David Wynne on September 17, 2025
Broker Licensed in SC, MI, NC & PA
The question is, I want to switch to Medicare Advantage this year. How do I do this? Actually, the process is pretty simple. The annual election period runs from October 15th through December 7th, and during that time, you should be able to switch to a Medicare Advantage plan.
A couple of things to keep in mind if you've been on original Medicare or a Medicare supplement plan is you've probably been used to being able to see virtually any doctor and not have a network of providers. Just keep in mind most Medicare Advantage plans will have networks of providers. So you just want to make sure that the plans that you're looking at include your doctors and hospital in the plan.
One other thing to keep in mind is each of those plans have different formularies and cover prescription drugs differently. So the second thing that you would want to do is make sure that the prescriptions you take also line up with the Medicare Advantage plan that you choose.
For me, the easiest way to do that is to find a local agent who is versed in how Medicare Advantage works. To assist you in making sure that you find a plan that includes both your doctors and hospitals as well as your prescriptions.
Answered by Michael Wehner on September 15, 2025
Agent Licensed in IN, KY, NC, OH, PA & SC
Answered by Phillip Davis on February 2, 2026
Broker Licensed in WV, AZ, FL & 5 other states
Answered by Sarah Rollins on September 4, 2025
Broker Licensed in CO, AZ, CA, ME, SC & TN
• Oct 15 – Dec 7 (Annual Enrollment):
You can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage
Coverage starts Jan 1
• Jan 1 – Mar 31:
Only if you’re already on Medicare Advantage
• Special Enrollment:
If you moved, lost coverage, etc.
Pick a plan
• Check:
o Your doctors are in-network
o Your prescriptions are covered
o Costs & extra benefits (dental, vision, hearing)
Enroll
o licensed Medicare agent
o Online at Medicare.gov
o By calling 1-800-MEDICARE
o Through the plan
Answered by Dustin Haffner on January 21, 2026
Broker Licensed in OK, AR, KS & MO
You should speak to an advisor who will confirm that your doctors are in the network and that cover your prescriptions.
If you need help and advice, please contact me.
Thanks,
John M. Hose
Answered by John Hose on November 30, 2025
Broker Licensed in MD, FL, NC & 7 other states
Answered by Maureen Gildea on December 1, 2025
Broker Licensed in ME, FL & MA
Answered by Michael Brady on December 1, 2025
Broker Licensed in Ut, AL, AZ & 6 other states
To see if you have a Special Enrollment Period, I would suggest setting up an appointment now. If you cannot make a change at this time, I would suggest setting up a I would suggest setting up an appointment in September for us to review your coverage because we will have access to 2027 plans at that time.
I would be more than happy to assist you with this if needed.
Steve
Answered by Steven Silverthorn on April 13, 2026
Agent Licensed in MA, CA, CO & 5 other states
Answered by Lynn Floyd on April 30, 2026
Agent Licensed in IN
Answered by Michelle Mcghee on February 23, 2026
Broker Licensed in TX, AR & MI
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.
Answered by Andrew Zurbuch, MBA on November 5, 2025
Broker Licensed in IN, FL, KY, MO, OH & TN
Answered by Steve Houchens on November 28, 2025
Agent Licensed in KY & TN
Juliette Chihade
Answered by Juliette Chihade on September 7, 2025
Agent Licensed in IL
Answered by Melanie Blackston on September 20, 2025
Broker Licensed in SC, GA & NC
Answered by Lenora Sikkenga on November 6, 2025
Broker Licensed in NV
First, make sure you understand the difference between your plan and a Medicare Advantage plan, think about what you like and dislike about your current coverage. Are there specific doctors or medications you want to keep or change?
Next compare Available MAPD Plans: During AEP, which runs from October 15 to December 7, you can explore different MAPD options that are available in your area. Look for plans that cover your medications, have a good network of doctors, and benefits that you are interested in.
After that, use the Medicare Plan Finder on the official Medicare website to compare plans. Additionally, I can help guide you through available options and answer any questions.
Lastly, when you find a plan that fits your needs, you can enroll directly through the plan's website, by calling their customer service, or I can assist you with the enrollment process.
Remember, you have a one time safeguard, if you want to switch back to your Medicare Supplement plan, you can do so within a certain time frame.
If you have specific plans in mind or need assistance comparing options, feel free to ask!
Answered by Kim Gibas on October 6, 2025
Broker Licensed in MI, FL & OH
Also, there are disaster, special election periods in certain states which can facilitate the option to make an adjustment from one Medicare advantage plan to another this time of year.
Answered by Chris Vari on April 27, 2026
Agent Licensed in PA
Answered by Steven Kirsch on March 9, 2026
Agent Licensed in MI
Before switching, make sure you receive a complete side by side analysis of your current Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage. Low or no premiums doesn't always equal an overall annual savings.
Answered by Christina Stanley on May 4, 2026
Broker Licensed in ID, AZ, CA & 5 other states
1. Leaving employer coverage
2. Moving out of a service area
3. Returning to the USA
4. Becoming eligible for Medicaid/Medicare (Dual eligible)
Otherwise you can enroll in a 2026 Medicare Advantage Plan between 10/15 - 12/7/2025.
Answered by Beth Bohnsack on September 5, 2025
Broker Licensed in MN
Answered by Andrew Kramer on November 3, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL
ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD (AEP): October 15- December 7 Changes take effect January 1
MEDICARE ADVANTAGE OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD (MA OEP): January 1 - March 31 You can switch from one Advantage Plan to another or go back to Original Medicare.
Answered by Meghan Blankenship on November 14, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, MD & OH
Answered by Carol Thompson on October 12, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, LA, MI & NC, SC, VA & WI
Answered by Suzanne Lamperti on September 18, 2025
Broker Licensed in MD
Answered by Andrew Kelly on November 6, 2025
Agent Licensed in WA & OR
Answered by Carol Conner on November 23, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX
Answered by Karen Ansell on March 24, 2026
Agent Licensed in FL, GA, KY & OH
Answered by Adam Ernst on February 16, 2026
Agent Licensed in NC, SC & TN
Answered by Andre Cabral on September 16, 2025
Agent Licensed in NJ
You may also have additional opportunities to change your plan throughout the year by qualifying for one or more special enrollment periods (SEP) which range from a "move" "plan closure" "delayed part B., "change in Medicaid" among others. Contact your agent ASAP!
Seize your moment!
🎯
Answered by Lillian Hill on November 17, 2025
Broker Licensed in OH, CO, GA & MI
Answered by Adam Morillo on October 14, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, AK, AL & 48 other states
Answered by Earl Beck on November 20, 2025
Agent Licensed in PA
Answered by Greg Strasma on November 7, 2025
Agent Licensed in GA
Answered by Jason Marshall on April 7, 2026
Agent Licensed in CA
Answered by Brenda Skasko on November 16, 2025
Broker Licensed in DE, MD & PA
Answered by Akia Alexis on September 4, 2025
Broker Licensed in GA, FL & SC
65+ and thinking of switching to Medicare Advantage? Here’s the truth You only get two windows: Oct 15–Dec 7 or Jan 1–Mar 31 (if you already have Advantage). One simple choice today = new coverage next month
Español
¿65+ y pensando en cambiarte a Medicare Advantage? La verdad Solo hay dos ventanas: 15 de oct – 7 de dic o 1 de ene – 31 de mar (si ya tienes Advantage). Una decisión simple hoy = nueva cobertura el próximo me
Answered by Pedro Rodriguez on September 5, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL, CO, TN & TX
Answered by Vicki Wuest on October 25, 2025
Broker Licensed in NH, FL, MI & 5 other states
Working with a broker to help YOU determine what type of plan would be in your best interest, is always recommended.
Answered by Crystal Burney on November 4, 2025
Agent Licensed in AR, OK & TX
Answered by Margaret Brown on October 23, 2025
Agent Licensed in FL, AL, AR & 21 other states
Answered by Cynthia Haworth on February 3, 2026
Agent Licensed in TX
If you are on a supplement plan you would want to talk to a professional about the differences in how the coverage and costs work so you are informed if moving is right for you. If you are on a current Medicare Advantage Plan you can do so by checking which plan(s) your doctors take and where you would spend less for your prescriptions then compare it to your current plan factoring in max out of pocket deductibles and additional benefits. These last two should be done during open enrollment Oct 15th-Dec 7th but there are a few exceptions through the year.
Answered by Christopher DiBiase on October 14, 2025
Broker Licensed in FL, AZ, NC, OH, SC & TX
Answered by Michael Murray on March 30, 2026
Agent Licensed in NC, SC & TN
If you wish, you can contact me so that is can assist you in the process
Christian
Contact me.
Answered by Christian Marti Del Campo on October 2, 2025
Broker Licensed in TX, FL, OK & SC
Choose your MAPD plan during AEP, the enrollment will go effective January 1st. Once you are notified the MAPD has been approved - terminate your MedSup policy. And, you have up to 12 months to decide to keep it or go back to your MedSup plan without underwriting. These details are further explained in the Medicare & You handbook.
Answered by Terri Curcio on April 28, 2026
Agent Licensed in OH
Answered by Stacey Gaines on October 30, 2025
Agent Licensed in MS, LA, TN & TX
Answered by Marites Nelson on December 1, 2025
Broker Licensed in HI
Tags: Enrollment Periods Medicare Advantage
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