I'm confused about when I can change my Medicare plan. Can you clarify the different enrollment periods for me?

Question

Diana Garner · Accepted Answer

Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) can be changed during the Annual Enrollment Period - October 15th to December 7th, or during the Open Enrollment Period - January 1st to March 31st. There are also some Special Election Periods that can be used, such as:
     * You change where you live
     * You lose your current coverage
     * You have a chance to get other coverage
     * Your plan changes its contract with Medicare
     * Other special situations

Medicare Supplement plans can be changed at any time throughout the year if you qualify medically. Some states even have guaranteed issue periods such as 60 days following your birthday, loss of creditable coverage through employer or another plan, or if the plan exits the market.

Prescription Drug Plans (Part D) can only be changed during the Annual Enrollment Period - October 15th to December 7th, unless there is a Special Election Period that would allow you to change.

Larry Dalton · Answer

1.  A Medicare supplemental plan may be changed to another Medicare supplement plan at any time of the year. 
2.  A Medicare supplemental plan can be changed to a Medicare Advantage plan between October 15 and December 7. However, this change will not take effect until January 1 of the following year.
3.  Medicare Advantage plans can be changed to another Medicare Advantage plan once during open enrollment, which runs from January 1 to March 31. 
4.  Medicare Advantage plans can revert back to traditional Medicare with a supplement plan between January 1 and March 31. However, you may be without a drug plan for the remaining of the year.
5.  Medicare Part D stand long prescription drug plans can only be changed between October 15 to December 7 and do not take affect until the following year of January one. 
6.  There are other special enrollment periods allow for case by case situations.

Lt Col Tim Brown · Answer

Yes. If you have a Medicare Supplement plan, you can apply to change plans anytime of the year you wish. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan (MAPD), you can change those planes during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) that runs from Oct 15 to Dec 7 (Pearl Harbor Day). A change made during this time frame would take effect on Jan 1. There is also an Open Enrollment Period (OEP), where someone on a MAPD can make one change during that period. It runs from Jan 1 to March 31 each year. Whatever month during this period someone makes a change, the plan takes effect the 1st day of the next month i.e. make a change in Feb, new plan starts March 1.

Answered by Lt Col Tim Brown on May 10, 2025

Broker Licensed in TN, AL, CO & 10 other states

Answered by Lt Col Tim Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

Brian Moore · Answer

Changing your Medicare plan depends on specific enrollment periods, and knowing them can save you headaches down the line. Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) spans seven months around your 65th birthday to join Parts A, B, D, or Medicare Advantage; miss it without other coverage, and penalties loom—10% per year for Part B and 1% per month for Part D, both lifelong. The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), October 15 to December 7, lets you switch between Original Medicare, Advantage plans, or Part D options for the next year, while the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (January 1 to March 31) offers one tweak if you’re already in Advantage. Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) kick in for life events like losing a job’s coverage, typically giving you two months to adjust penalty-free, and the General Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31) is for late Part A or B sign-ups if you missed IEP. For Medigap, you get a six-month window starting when you’re 65 and on Part B to enroll without health-based denials—outside that, it’s possible but trickier—something I’ve watched folks overlook until it’s urgent over my years in this field.

Answered by Brian Moore on March 27, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH

Answered by Brian Moore Medicare Insurance Agent

Dutch VanHoesen · Answer

The annual enrollment period is Oct 15-Dec 7th. The open enrollment period for those on existing Medicare Advantage plans is Jan 1-Mar 31st.

David Moscowitz · Answer

If you are 64 years old, you can apply for a plan on your 65th Birthday, however it is recommended to speak to  agent 3months before that time. The annual enrollment periods for 2025 is October 15th - December 7th.

Open enrollment period where you can switch plans once for the year, is January 1st - march 31st.

Greg Milliser · Answer

The answer to this depends on the Medicare plan you are wanting to change. If you are talking about your Medicare Supplement you are able to change that plan any time during the year, you simply need to fill out an application and go through the underwriting process. If you are asking about your Prescription Drug Plan or your Medicare Advantage plan you will either have an Special Election Period which you qualified for based on certain criteria or you will need to wait for the Annual Election Period which runs from October 15 - December 7th of every year. Existing Medicare Advantage plan members have an Election Period that is specific to them that begins January 1st and runs through March 31st where they can change their plans one last time before the next Annual Election Period begins in October.

Answered by Greg Milliser on May 6, 2025

Broker Licensed in MO, AR, IN, KS, OH & OK

Answered by Greg Milliser Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Bleicher · Answer

One of the quirky things about Medicare is that you can change your Supplement all year round! Many people forget that. Thus, the different periods are mostly used for the Advantage and Part D(rug) plans with the latter being the most common change. This can be due to a new Rx being prescribed. This change becomes effective on January 1st of the next calendar year. Moreover, if you are changing your home residence to a totally new state, you have a Special Election Period (SEP) which allows you to switch your healthcare plan to anything that you want with no medical questions being asked of you! That is a guarantee!

Answered by Steven Bleicher on May 29, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Norman Smith · Answer

Open enrollment is 10/15 - 12/7 each year. You also may have a Special Enrollment Period, if you just retired from work, moved, or have been dropped from your spouses’ coverage.

Steven Lovell · Answer

Lets make sure we talk about both plans. 

MEDICARE ADVANTAGE:
You can typically change your Medicare plan during two main periods: the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) from October 15 to December 7, and the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MAOEP) from January 1 to March 31. The AEP allows for switching between traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Part D plans, with new coverage starting January 1. The MAOEP is specifically for those in Medicare Advantage, allowing them to switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or back to traditional Medicare. Other special election periods may be option. For you depending on your individual circumstances.  

MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT:
As far as a Medicare Supplement is concerned, you can change as often as you'd like as long as you can answer and pass the health questions.

John L Herman Jr · Answer

Without a doubt one of the most confusing parts of MEDICARE are all of the various enrollment period options. ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD, OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD, SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIODS (SEP'S), LIFE EVENT CGANGES, EMPLOYMENT CHANGES...all contribute to the confusion which is why always consulting with an Independent Broker is your best plan of action.

Answered by John L Herman Jr on March 31, 2025

Broker Licensed in MD, DE & PA

Answered by John L Herman Jr Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Yost · Answer

The big annual open enrollment is from October 15 - December 7th. This is called AEP (Annual Enrollment Period). Anyone can review, change or add plans during this time. For those on a Medicare advantage plan, there is another open enrollment period from January - March 31st. This is called OEP (Open Enrollment Period). Those on an advantage plan can switch back to Medicare or switch to a different advantage plan. Lastly, there are special enrollment periods (SEP) throughout the year. These SEPs allow someone to change their plan before open enrollment starts. For example, if someone moves to a different state, they are allowed to change their plan.

Answered by Michael Yost on June 3, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH, AL, AZ & 27 other states

Answered by Michael Yost Medicare Insurance Agent

Julie Joyce · Answer

Annual Enrollment is Oct. 15th - Dec 7th is always a good time. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan you can also make a change from Jan. 1st - March 31st. There are also a good amount of Special Enrollments (life changing events)

Answered by Julie Joyce on March 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA, CT, DE & 9 other states

Answered by Julie Joyce Medicare Insurance Agent

Leslie Kaz · Answer

1. Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
Who it's for: People turning 65 or newly eligible for Medicare.
When: Begins 3 months before, includes the month of your 65th birthday, and ends 3 months after (7 months total).
What you can do: Enroll in Part A, Part B, and/or a Part D drug plan or a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan.

2. Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
When: October 15 to December 7 every year.
What you can do:
Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan or vice versa.
Change or enroll in a Part D prescription plan.
Switch from one Medicare Advantage or Part D plan to another.
Coverage begins: January 1 of the following year.

3. Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP)
When: January 1 to March 31
Who it's for: People already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
What you can do:
Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan.
Drop your Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare (and optionally add Part D).

4. General Enrollment Period (GEP)
When: January 1 to March 31
Who it's for: Those who did not sign up for Part B during their Initial Enrollment.
What happens: Coverage starts July 1 and late penalties may apply.

5. Special Enrollment Periods (SEP)
When: Triggered by specific life events, such as:
Losing employer coverage
Moving to a new area
Qualifying for Medicaid or Extra Help
Other significant changes in your life or plan availability
What you can do: Make changes to your Medicare Advantage or Part D plans without waiting for AEP.

Comfort Olude · Answer

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is October 15 - December 7.
a) You can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage Part C or Medicare Part D
     prescription drug plan.
b) You can switch from Original Medicare Part A & B to a Medicare Advantage plan, or vice versa.
c) You can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is January 1 - March 31.
a) It is available to Medicare Advantage plan members only during the period.
b) You can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare Part A & B.
c) You can enroll in a stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan if returning to 
     Original Medicare.
d) Just one coverage change is allowed.

Cody Brown · Answer

The most common Medicare enrollment period is in the fall. The Annual Enrollment Period(AEP) is from October 15-December 7, where you can join or switch a Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plan. You can also make a change to your Medicare Advantage plan during the Open Enrollment Period(OEP) from January 1-March 31. There is no enrollment period for Medicare Supplement plans, so those can be changed any time of year.

Answered by Cody Brown on April 28, 2025

Agent Licensed in MO, AR, AZ & 5 other states

Answered by Cody Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

Craig Kirscht · Answer

You have a couple of times during the year that you can enroll. Every year you have the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 - December 7th. During this time you can make as many changes as you want to your Medicare Advantage, Medigap Insurance, and Prescription Drug Plans. Any change that you make will be effective for January 1st of the next year. 

You will also have a Open Enrollment Period from January 1st until March 31st to make one change to a Medicare Advantage plan. There may be other opportunities through out the year but those are for special circumstances that may happen - moving or disanster declarations are good examples.

Mike Henry · Answer

Regular Medicare supplement any time. You must qualify medically. Medicare advantage 10/15-12/07. Doesn’t take effect till 01/01 of following year. With an advantage plan medication are normally covered. Also make sure your Dr and hospital you use is available. Agent should know

Answered by Mike Henry on April 15, 2025

Agent Licensed in TX

Answered by Mike Henry Medicare Insurance Agent

Mary Salmon · Answer

The most common enrollment period is Annual Enrollment Period which runs from Oct 15-Dec 7 every year. This is when Medicare beneficiaries can review their Medicare Advantage plans and make changes for the upcoming calendar year. The second enrollment period is called Open Enrollment Period which runs Jan 1-Mar 31 every year and is when beneficiaries with a Medicare Advantage plan can switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare.

Answered by Mary Salmon on April 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX & OK

Answered by Mary Salmon Medicare Insurance Agent

Todd Bostic · Answer

Every year there is what is called an Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), and if you missed that, there is an Open Enrollment Period (OEP). There are other enrollment periods available if you move, or if you lose coverage, or other times, but those are the 2 main ones.

Answered by Todd Bostic on May 28, 2025

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

Answered by Todd Bostic Medicare Insurance Agent

Nicolas Johnson · Answer

You can change your Medicare supplement plan at any time during the year, however, you will most likely need to go through an underwriting If you are not in an open enrollment or guaranteed issue. To switch your Medicare Advantage plan, you will need to do so during the annual election period.

Answered by Nicolas Johnson on May 28, 2025

Agent Licensed in WI & IA

Answered by Nicolas Johnson Medicare Insurance Agent

Joshua Filmore · Answer

Think of Medicare like a year‑round calendar with a few key “change windows.” 

First comes your Initial Enrollment Period: a seven‑month stretch surrounding your 65th birthday when you first sign up for Parts A and B and pick drug or Advantage coverage. 

Once you’re enrolled, the main time to shop around is the Annual Election Period, October 15 – December 7, when you can switch from Original Medicare to an Advantage plan (or back), move between Advantage plans, or pick a new Part D drug plan—changes take effect January 1. 

If you start the year in a Medicare Advantage plan and get buyer’s remorse, you get one do‑over between January 1 and March 31 to pick a different Advantage plan or drop back to Original Medicare with a Part D plan. Missed signing up for Parts A or B altogether? You can do that during the General Enrollment Period (also Jan 1–Mar 31), though coverage waits until July 1 and late penalties may apply. 

Finally, life happens—moving, losing employer coverage, qualifying for Extra Help, or finding a 5‑Star plan can trigger a Special Enrollment Period anytime. It’s a lot of dates, I know, but that’s why I’m here: to keep track of the calendar and make sure you’re always in the plan that fits your health and your wallet.

Andrew Norton · Answer

It depends on the type of plan you have.

- If you are on a Medicare Advantage plan, you have two different periods to change. During the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15th- December 7th, or during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1st - March 31st. 

- If you Have a Medicare Supplement plan, you can change this anytime during the year, however it generally requires a health assessment and you may be declined based on this. Some states, however do allow for a once-per-year change without underwriting

- If you have a standalone prescription drug plan, you can change these during the annual enrollment period from Oct. 15-Dec. 7.

I'm confused about when I can change my Medicare plan. Can you clarify the different enrollment periods for me?

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