When can I change my Medicare Advantage Plan?

Question

Travis Harmon · Accepted Answer

When are you eligible to change your Medicare Advantage plan? There are three main times in the year that you're eligible to change your Medicare Advantage plan. One being in your enrollment period, which is October 15th through December 7th of every year. That's your opportunity to shop plans for the upcoming year and make your selection. The next is the Medicare open enrollment period, which is January 1st through March 31st of each year. This gives you a one-time opportunity to change plans if you weren't able to make a selection during the annual enrollment period or to say that you needed to make a change in those first three months of the year.

The next are special enrollment periods that can vary throughout the year. Maybe you lost employer group coverage, or you got Medicaid or extra help for your prescription drug costs. There are many different reasons. I would check with your broker or your agent, and they can help you figure out if you're eligible to change plans at that time. I hope this helps.

The next are special enrollment periods that can vary throughout the year. Maybe you lost employer group coverage, or you got Medicaid or extra help for your prescription drug costs. There are many different reasons. I would check with your broker or your agent, and they can help you figure out if you're eligible to change plans at that time. I hope this helps.

Daniel Brechin · Answer

Hello
You may change Medicare Advantage plans during the fall enrollment.  It runs from Oct 15 to Dec 7 every year.   You may make a change from January 1 to March 31. You are locked in the remaining year.  There may be exceptions. Such a move from One State to another state.  Or. If you are aging in, you have 7months to enroll.
90 days prior to the month of birth and 90days after that month.

If you have any questions, please contact me.
Daniel Brechin

Clarence &quot;Mark&quot; Christiansen · Answer

There are many opportunities to change your Medicare Advantage plan.
1) Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): Oct. 15 - Dec. 7th every year. New plan kicks in 01.01.
2) Open Enrollment Period (OEP): Jan. 1 - March 31 every year. This is for "like-to-like" plan changes (MAPD to MAPD or MA only to MA only).
3) There are several Special Enrollment Periods (SEP's) to consider, such as leaving your employer plan. This is the most common. Also, if you move to a new service area, you can change your Medicare Advantage Plan. Here's another one: if you are a member of your state's pharmaceutical assistance plan (in WI that's Wisconsin SeniorCare), you can switch to a different MAPD plan one time during the calendar year. The SEP code for that is SEP-SPAP which stands for Special Enrollment Period - State Pharmaceutical Assistance Plan member.

Nikki Rowland · Answer

You can change your Medicare Advantage plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15–December 7) 

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1–March 31, if you're already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan). 

You may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to make changes outside these dates if you experience certain life events, such as moving, losing other coverage, qualifying for Extra Help or Medicaid, or entering or leaving a nursing facility.

Steven Litzsinger · Answer

If you are currently on a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can switch Medicare Advantage Plans during the periods:

1- Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) that is from Oct 15 - Dec 7th each year; 

2-Mediare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) that runs from Jan. 1- March 31st each year; 

3- Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

If you have questions about special conditions, situations, and circumstances that trigger a  Special Enrollment Period (SEP) it is best to visit Medicare.gov or speak with a local, trusted, licensed, Medicare Agent that can help you navigate ALL of your Medicare options.

Don Hudson · Answer

You can change your Medicare Advantage Plan during Medicare's Open Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7th) for an effective date of January 1st. There is also a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period January - March to make a plan change in the event you weren't happy with the choice you made during Open Enrollment.

There are also other instances called Special Enrollment Periods in which you can change, and there are multiple, but one is that you moved out of the plan's service area.

Marsha Reiniers · Answer

If you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can change once during the Open Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31. And you can change your plan during the Annual Enrollment Period from Octobeer 15 to December 7. Outside these election periods, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period but you would need to talk to a knowledgeable insurance agent who can help see if you are eligible to make a change using this enrollment period.

Answered by Marsha Reiniers on March 2, 2026

Agent Licensed in FL, GA, MI & NC, PA, SC & VA

Answered by Marsha Reiniers Medicare Insurance Agent

Carly Cusack · Answer

You can change your Medicare plan during AEP from October 15th-December 7th. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan starting January 1st of the new year, you can change once from 01/01/2026-03/31/2026. This is called OEP and occurs every year. Then there are also SEP's which stand for Special Election Periods which take place when someone leaves group coverage, they move counties, get divorced, and more.

Answered by Carly Cusack on February 26, 2026

Broker Licensed in OR & WA

Answered by Carly Cusack Medicare Insurance Agent

Dino Pappadis · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/when-can-i-change-my-medicare-advantage-plan#dino-pappadis

Donna Berube · Answer

Annual Enrollment Period starts October 15th and continues until December 7th. Enrolling during this time for a January 2026 start date. When you enroll in a new Medicare Advantage plan the previous one will automatically end December 31st 2025.

Answered by Donna Berube on October 13, 2025

Agent Licensed in NH

Answered by Donna Berube Medicare Insurance Agent

Mariela Arana · Answer

It depends on your situation. Everyone can make changes during the Annual Enrollment Period. This is usually between October 15th through December 7th. If you already have a Medicare Advantage Plan you can also change your plan from January 1st-March 31st. All other people, require special circumstances and must apply during special election periods. Some examples of that would be, if a person has a chronic condition, or is in a dual plan for Medicare and Medi-Cal recipients. It is a good idea to check with your broker, as there are different types of special election qualifications.

Answered by Mariela Arana on December 23, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AZ & 8 other states

Answered by Mariela Arana Medicare Insurance Agent

Grant Evans · Answer

Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period starts on October 15. It is best to get in touch with an agent to get something scheduled, as this can be a very busy time for agents.

Sonya Tomovich · Answer

You can change your Medicare advantage plan during AEP October 15 through December 7. Or during OEP January 1 through March 31, unless there’s a special enrollment period that you were entitled to.

Steve Houchens · Answer

You are able to change your plan a couple of times a year. First being during the AEP ( Annual Election Period) from October 15- December 7, the next time is OEP ( Open Enrollment Period) from January 1-March 31. The only other time is during SEP (Special Election Period) which is when you have a triggering event such as a change in eligibility for Medicaid or Medicare , moving outside your area of coverage for your carrier or a national disaster or something along those lines.

Answered by Steve Houchens on September 16, 2025

Agent Licensed in KY & TN

Answered by Steve Houchens Medicare Insurance Agent

Ron Cronwell · Answer

AEP and OEP. Annual Enrollment Period is October 15 thru December 8th each year with an effective date of January 1. Sign up for the first time or make a change in plans. OEP runs January 1 thru March 31. OEP  is for  those who have a Medicare Advantage Plan, they get a one time opportunity during that time to cancel out of their MAPD or to change MAPD plans.

There are other times during the year that trigger a special enrollment period, such as moving from one plan area into another plan are. Another other is for people who enroll in Part B for the first time.

Rick Boyd · Answer

You can change your Advantage plan during the annual enrollment period October 15 through December 7. If your plan is not working for you such as your doctor is no longer in network or 
due a medication change for example, you may change your Advantage plan once only, during open enrollment from January 1 through March 31

DeeDee Whitlock · Answer

You can change Medicare Advantage plans during the annual enrollment period, 10/15 - 12/07 of every year or the open enrollment period beginning 01/01 - 03-31 of every year

Kris Moen · Answer

You can change your Medicare Advantage plan each year during AEP in the fall, again from January through March if you’re already on a plan, or anytime you qualify for a special enrollment period due to life changes.

Answered by Kris Moen on December 24, 2025

Agent Licensed in ND

Answered by Kris Moen Medicare Insurance Agent

Deb Haley · Answer

There are two enrollment periods during the year when you can change your Medicare advantage plan. The first plan is known as AEP and is the annual enrollment period from October 15th to December 7th. Changes you make during this period go into effect January 1st.

The next enrollment period is OEP which occurs January 1st through March 31st. Changes you make during this period go into effect the first of the following month.

There are other events that would allow to change your plan outside of the above enrollment periods known as special enrollment periods, for example a residential move.

Armand Smith · Answer

Every open enrollment Oct 15 to Dec 7th. Also Jan to March 31 is a special enrollment if you are not happy with the plan you chose you may do a one time change to another.

Also if you are on a Supplement and change to medicare advantage but within 12 months realize you made a mistake or are not happy with it you can change back to a supplement without underwriting.

Jeffrey Adams · Answer

You can change your plan every year from October 15 until December 7 for a January 1 effective date.  If you are on a Medicare Advantage plan as of January 1, you can make 1 change from January 1 until March 31, to be effective the first day of the next month.

You can also make changes if you qualify for a Special Election Period, such as certain illnesses, qualifying for Medicaid, address change and others.

Mary Manos-Mitchem · Answer

You can change your Medicare Advantage plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15–December 7)

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1–March 31, if you're already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan).

You may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to make changes outside these dates if you experience certain life events, such as moving, losing other coverage, qualifying for Extra Help or Medicaid, or entering or leaving a nursing facility.

Terry Nacion · Answer

You may change your plan during Open Enrollment Period October 15- December 7th of every year.
You may do the following during Open Enrollment:
 -Switch plans 
- Drop Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare
-Join, drop, or switch a Part D prescription drug plan

Gary Henderson · Answer

There's an annual change between October 15th and December 7th each year 
And then there's a second option between January 1 and March 31 each year 
You can only change prescription drug plans that are standalone between October 15th and December 7th each year 
Any changes between October 15 and December 7th will take effect January 1st 
Any changes that occur between January 1st and March 31st would occur on the month following the change. So if example, if you did a change in January it would take effect in February

Suzanne Lamperti · Answer

You may change during AEP or if you have a Special event happen. please remember it won't start until January 1 of the next year.

Dean Chiapetto · Answer

The Annual Election Period is October 15 - December 7. However you may have an opportunity to change at other time. If this was your first time in a Medicare Advantage Plan and you want to go to Original Medicare you can do that in the first 12 months. There may be special election periods in your area. It is best to check with your Local Broker.
Brokers Make a Difference!

Don Hansford · Answer

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) begins on 10/15 and ends on 12/7. During this time you can make changes to your Medicare Advantage plan or Prescription Drug plan.

Cheryl Lyons · Answer

Question: When can I change my Medicare Advantage Plan?

You can change your Medicare Advantage plan during:

* Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7 each year.
* Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: January 1 – March 31 each year (if you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan).
* Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): If you experience certain life events, such as moving, losing other coverage, or qualifying for extra help.

Tamela Clayton · Answer

You can change your Medicare Advantage plan each year during Annual Enrollment (Oct 15-Dec7), if you are already on an Advantage plan you also get a one-time change between Jan1 and March 31.  

Keep in mind if you are trying to switch from an Advantage plan to a Medigap plan, you will usually have to go through health underwriting unless you are in your initial enrollment window or another protected period.

Charles Borg · Answer

October 15 - December 7. You have that option every year. it publicized everywhere, pay more attention.

Adam Morillo · Answer

Great question, you may have multiple opportunities to change your Medicare Advantage plan throughout the year depending on your situation and demographics. You should reach out to a local agent to explore your options.

Answered by Adam Morillo on September 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AK, AL & 48 other states

Answered by Adam Morillo Medicare Insurance Agent

Charlie Fitzgerald · Answer

Without any other Life Changes that would allow for a change in your plan, you may change your plan (s) during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) which is from October 15th to December 7th every year.

Nora Alishahi · Answer

During AEP 10/15-12/07 . During OEP 1/1-3/31 . If you have a special circumstance and you qualify on a Special enrollment period

Chauncey Bragg · Answer

Typi6you can only change your plan during AEP (annual enrollment period) and OEP (open enrollment period). If you have certain life changes you may qualify to change your plan this is known as an SEP (special enrollment period).

Answered by Chauncey Bragg on September 4, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH

Answered by Chauncey Bragg Medicare Insurance Agent

Peggy Elliott · Answer

Unless you're in what's called a special election period, which means that you've changed locations or you've decided that you're going to be going on Medicaid, you cannot change your Medicare Advantage plan until what's called AEP, the annual election period, which is October 15th through December 7th. There is what's called an OEP, an open enrollment period, and that runs from January 31st through March 31st of next year. So either of those are the two times that you can change your Medicare Advantage plan. Thank you.

Tonya White · Answer

You can change your Medicare Advantage Plan during Medicare's Open Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7th) for an effective date of January 1st.  There is also a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period January - March to make a plan change in the event you weren't happy with the choice you made during Open Enrollment.

There are also other instances called Special Enrollment Periods in which you can change, and there are multiple, but one is that you moved out of the plan's service area.

Robert Evans · Answer

You can change your plan during Annual Enrollment. Annual Enrollment is from October 15 - December 7. You have another opportunity during Open Enrollment from Jan 1 - March 31 if you made an election during Annual Enrollment. Also there are Special Enrollment periods if you have a qualifying event. Such as you moved to different service area; Plans change or discontinued in your area.

Answered by Robert Evans on October 28, 2025

Agent Licensed in TX

Answered by Robert Evans Medicare Insurance Agent

Kim Mitchell-Hargis · Answer

Each year you may change your plan if you decide to.  During AEP,  is Annual Enrollment Period and that time is from October 15 to December 7 every year.  That change will take place on January 1st of the following year.  
Another time you are able to change plans if you are currently on a Medicare Advantage Plan is OEP, which is Open Enrollment Period.  This time starts January 1st and goes to March 31st.
This time is for people who got into a plan they now do not like can switch to another Medicare Advantage plan.

Frankie Cochran · Answer

each year during Annual Enrollment period which starts on October 15 and ends on December 7. if you miss this election period due to certain qualifying sircumstances you may qualify for another opportunity during Open Enrollment Period starting on January 1 and ending on March 31

Answered by Frankie Cochran on April 14, 2026

Agent Licensed in GA

Answered by Frankie Cochran Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Gilman · Answer

You can change your Medicare Advantage plan at a few specific times during the year, and it’s actually simpler than most people think. There are three main windows when changes are allowed.

The first is every fall, from October 15th to December 7th. This is the big annual enrollment period. During this time, anyone on Medicare can review their plan, compare options, and switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan if they want to. Any changes you make during this window start on January 1st.

The second window is from January 1st to March 31st, but this one is only for people who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. If you start the year and realize your plan isn’t working for you — maybe your doctor isn’t in the network, your medications aren’t covered the way you expected, or the copays are too high — you get one chance to switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare with a Part D plan.

The third way to change your plan is through what’s called a Special Enrollment Period. These happen when life changes — things like moving to a new county, losing Medicaid, your plan leaving the area, or qualifying for a chronic condition plan. These special situations allow you to make a change outside the normal windows.

So the simple version is this: you can change your Medicare Advantage plan every fall, once at the beginning of the year if you’re already in an MA plan, and anytime during the year if a qualifying life event gives you a Special Enrollment Period.

Danielle Jimison · Answer

You can change your Medicare Advantage plan each year during AEP in the fall, again from January through March if you’re already on a plan, or anytime you qualify for a special enrollment period due to life changes.

Answered by Kris Moen on December 24, 2025

Agent Licensed in ND

Leisha Stevens · Answer

Hello, you can change your Medicare Advantage plan now. Currently, its the annual enrollment period (AEP). During this time you can pick a new Medicare Advantage plan until December 7th. The plan will not start until January 1st.

Answered by Leisha Stevens on November 24, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH, CA, FL & NC

Answered by Leisha Stevens Medicare Insurance Agent

Tosha Morell · Answer

Hello. You can change your Medicare Advantage Plan during the Annual Enrollment Period which runs from October 15 to December 7 and again during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31.

Answered by Tosha Morell on December 6, 2025

Agent Licensed in GA & FL

Answered by Tosha Morell Medicare Insurance Agent

Pedro Rodriguez · Answer

English
 65+ and thinking of changing your Medicare Advantage plan? You have two main windows : Oct 15–Dec 7 (Annual Enrollment) to join, switch, or drop a plan, and Jan 1–Mar 31 (Open Enrollment) if you already have Advantage. Act in these periods, and your new coverage starts the next month. 

 Español 
¿65+ y pensando en cambiar tu plan de Medicare Advantage? Tienes dos ventanas principales : 15 de oct – 7 de dic (Inscripción Anual) para unirte, cambiar o salir de un plan, y 1 de ene – 31 de mar (Inscripción Abierta) si ya tienes Advantage. Haz el cambio en esas fechas y tu nueva cobertura comienza al mes siguiente.

Margaret Brown · Answer

You can change your Medicare plan throughout the year with a valid Special Election Period (SEP). The most popular time of year is Annual Election Period or Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). This isn’t October 15th- December 7th every year.

Answered by Margaret Brown on October 22, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, AL, AR & 21 other states

Answered by Margaret Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

Bonnie Beliveau · Answer

You can change your Medicare Advantage Plan during AEP (Annual Election Period) which runs from October 15 - December 7 each year for a January 1 effective date.  There is also OE (Open Enrollment) that runs from January 1 - March 31 each year that allows for a one time change to your Medicare Advantage plan with some special considerations.

In addition, there are several qualifying events that give you the opportunity to change your Medicare Advantage plan at other times of year.  Here is a list of some options:

1.  You move your primary residence to another county and or state - you have 60 days to change your plan
2.  You move into or out of skilled nursing facility - again 60 days to change your plan
3.  Your carrier terminates your specific plan
4.  You want to enroll in a 5 star plan - you can do this one time at anytime during the year
5.  You have Diabetes or certain cardiac issues and are interested in a C-SNP (Chronic Special Needs Plan) - you can do this one time anytime during the year as long as you are not already enrolled in a C-SNP

There are a couple of other scenarios - best to speak with an Independent Health Insurance Broker who specializes in Medicare to review all of the options.

Barb Koch · Answer

Hello,
Open enrollment for 2026 begins October 15th and runs through December 7th.   
Feel free to contact to discuss plan options :)

Mark Rich · Answer

Medicare Advantage plans are issued on a calendar-year basis. The Annual Election Period (AEP), between October 15th and December 7th every year, is the best time to review your plan with your local agent to determine if you are in the correct plan for your individual needs for the upcoming plan year (effective January 1st). Beneficiaries who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan may change their plan once during the Open Enrollment Period (OEP), which is during the first calendar quarter of each year (January 1st - March 31st). Additionally, there are "special enrollment periods" (SEPs) that apply to various special circumstances. You should consult your local agent to learn whether an SEP is available to you.

Answered by Mark Rich on September 5, 2025

Agent Licensed in KY

Answered by Mark Rich Medicare Insurance Agent

Cyle Gillman · Answer

Medicare Advantage plans can be changed during Annual Enrollment, One time during Open Enrollment and one time for Special enrollment periods. 

Annual Enrollment runs from October 15 - December 7 of each year. 

Open Enrollment runs from January 1 - March 31 of each year. You may make one change; this is allowed because occasionally a beneficiary faces a “surprise”, Dr leaves their network, medications aren’t covered etc. 

Special Enrollment periods can include moving outside of your coverage area, diagnosis of chronic conditions, being institutionalized, etc.

Alvin Petitt · Answer

You can usually change Medicare Advantage plans during Oct 15–Dec 7, Jan 1–Mar 31 or when you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Myria Roebuck · Answer

You can change between Jan 1st through March 31st, anytime you have a specific special situation, and Oct 15- Dec 7th

Jill Fasbender · Answer

The next opportunity you have to change your Medicare Advantage Plan will be during the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7. The changes you make during this period will take effect on January 1 of the following year. There may be some special enrollment periods available to you before that, for example, if you move counties or zip codes. Reach out to Medicare directly or a local Medicare broker for further information.

Answered by Jill Fasbender on March 16, 2026

Broker Licensed in MN

Answered by Jill Fasbender Medicare Insurance Agent

Jerrid Ehlinger · Answer

Initial enrollment period  general enrollment period annual enrollment period special enrollment period

Sara Leonatti · Answer

Every October 15th thru Decemeber 7th. Or under certain circumstances if you have a qualifying Special Election Period.

Trisha Ducote · Answer

You can only change your Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan during specific enrollment periods (with a few exceptions). Here are the main times:
AEP- October 15 – December 7 each year.
OEP- January 1 – March 31 each year.