What should I do if I miss the Medicare Open Enrollment period, and I want to change my plan?

Answered by 6 licensed agents

You may utilize a Special Election Period which includes:

Moving to a new plan area.

Enrollment in a 5 star plan.

Losing health insurance.

Weather related disasters.

Annual enrollment. Is October 15th through December 7th. If you miss that enrollment period and you are a current Medicare Advantage member, You have 1 more opportunity to change plans January 1st through March 31st.

So from April 1st through December 31st you are locked into your plan unless you meet a special election period requirement.

Answered by Dutch VanHoesen on March 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL

Answered by Dutch VanHoesen Medicare Insurance Agent
Medicare supplement plans can be applied for and changed anytime of year you wish. Part C AKA known as Medicare Advantage plans, if you’re on one, can be changed up until March 31st. After that the next time (Unless a person is just gaining Medicare Part B) is the Annual Enrollment Period that starts on Oct 10 to Dec 7.

Other enrollment periods called Special Election Periods (SEP’S) come into play or allows a person to change plans such as moving from one service area to another, or a plan pulls out, or a person is released from incarceration. There are a lot more more SEP”s than I just mentioned.

Need help? Give me a call Monday thru Saturday to about 6:30 in the evening at 615-506-9024.

Answered by Lt Col Tim Brown on March 29, 2025

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

Answered by Lt Col Tim Brown Medicare Insurance Agent
If you miss Medicare Open Enrollment - Contact me as soon as possible so we can review available options to you.

Answered by Leslie Helene Sussman on March 31, 2025

Broker Licensed in NJ, DE, FL & PA

Answered by Leslie Helene Sussman Medicare Insurance Agent
Medicare Advantage has enrollments from Oct 15 to Dec 7. Then from Jan 1 to March 31 you get one more chance to change.

Medicare Supplemental or Medigap is all medically underwritten so you can apply anytime as long as you know you can qualify.

Answered by Tasha Riggs on April 1, 2025

Broker Licensed in CO, AZ, HI & 10 other states

Answered by Tasha Riggs Medicare Insurance Agent
The best thing to do is check with a trusted local agent to see if there are any "Special Enrollment Periods" available. Medigap plans do not necessarily need an enrollment period.

Answered by Frank Woerner on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in IN & IL

Answered by Frank Woerner Medicare Insurance Agent
You should always reach out to your local agent. Even if you think you missed an enrollment period, a good agent can educate you on your options. It's our job to stay updated on all the tricks of the trade.

Answered by Vonda Peralez on March 30, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA & WA

Answered by Vonda Peralez Medicare Insurance Agent

Tags: Enrollment Periods The Medicare System

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