When and How to Switch Your Medicare Advantage Plan

Yes, you can change your Medicare Advantage plan, but only during specific windows in the year

You are not locked into your Medicare Advantage plan for life. You can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan, switch to Original Medicare with a Medigap or Part D plan, or switch back to Medicare Advantage from Original Medicare — but the timing matters. Most changes happen during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which runs October 15 through December 7 each year. Outside that window, you can only switch if you have a may have access to life event, such as moving to a new state, losing employer coverage, or becoming newly may be able to access for Medicaid.

Key Takeaways

The Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) is when most people change plans; changes take effect January 1.
If you move out of your plan's service area or lose employer coverage, you may be able to switch outside the enrollment period.
You can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan, to Original Medicare with Medigap and Part D, or back to Medicare Advantage from Original Medicare.
Your new plan's coverage begins on the first day of the month after you enroll, or January 1 if you enroll during AEP.
Tell your current plan you are leaving; do not wait for them to process the change on their own.

The Annual Enrollment Period: October 15 to December 7

During AEP, you can change to any Medicare Advantage plan available in your area, switch to Original Medicare, or make changes to your prescription drug coverage. This is the main window when Medicare Advantage plans must accept your request to switch, regardless of your health status. If you enroll during AEP, your new coverage starts on January 1 of the following year.

You do not need a reason to switch during AEP. You can change plans straightforward because you want different coverage, a different doctor network, or lower out-of-pocket costs. Medicare will not ask why you are switching. To enroll, you can call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE, visit Medicare.gov, use your plan's website, or work with a licensed insurance agent.

may have access to Life Events: Switching Outside the Enrollment Period

If you experience certain life changes, you may be able to switch plans outside of AEP. These are called may have access to events, and they give you a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) — usually 60 days from the date of the event — to make a change. Common may have access to events include moving to a new state or county outside your current plan's service area, losing employer or union coverage, becoming newly may be able to access for Medicaid, or having a change in your Medicaid status.

Other may have access to events include the death of a spouse, divorce, becoming a U.S. citizen or legal resident, or being released from incarceration. If you believe you have a may have access to event, contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to confirm whether you are may be able to access for a Special Enrollment Period and how long you have to switch. Medicare will ask for proof of the event — such as a lease showing your new address, a letter from your employer, or a Medicaid approval notice — so gather that documentation before you call.

Switching from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare

If you want to leave Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), you can do so during AEP or if you have a may have access to event. When you switch to Original Medicare, you will also need to enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan and, if you want coverage for costs that Original Medicare does not pay, a Medigap (supplemental insurance) plan.

Medigap plans have their own enrollment rules. If you are switching from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare and Medigap, you may have may provide issue rights, which means a Medigap plan must accept you without a waiting period or health questions — but only if you enroll in Medigap within 63 days of your Medicare Advantage coverage ending. If you miss that window, you may face medical underwriting or be denied coverage. Ask about may provide issue rights when you contact Medicare or a Medigap insurer.

Switching from Original Medicare Back to Medicare Advantage

If you are currently on Original Medicare and want to switch to a Medicare Advantage plan, you can do so during AEP. You do not need a may have access to event to make this switch. When you enroll in Medicare Advantage, your Original Medicare coverage will end on the day before your new plan begins.

If you have a Medigap plan, you should contact your Medigap insurer to let them know you are leaving, though your Medigap coverage will end automatically when your Medicare Advantage coverage starts. You do not need to cancel it separately. If you have a Part D plan, it will also end when your Medicare Advantage plan begins, since Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage.

What Happens to Your Current Coverage When You Switch

Your old plan's coverage ends on the last day of the month in which your new coverage begins, or on December 31 if you enroll during AEP. Do not assume your old plan will automatically end — you should contact your current plan and tell them you are switching. Provide them with your effective date of change so they know when to stop billing you and when your coverage ends.

If you have prescriptions filled before your switch takes effect, make sure they are filled under your current plan. After your new plan begins, prescriptions must be filled under the new plan's formulary (list of covered drugs). If your current medication is not on your new plan's formulary, you may need to ask your doctor for a different drug, or you can request an exception from your new plan — though this takes time and is not always approved.

How to Make the Switch

You have several ways to enroll in a new plan. You can call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and speak with a representative who can help you compare plans and enroll. You can visit Medicare.gov and use the Plan Finder tool to search for plans in your area, see which doctors and hospitals are in-network, and enroll online. You can also contact the plan directly — most Medicare Advantage plans have a phone number and website where you can enroll.

A third option is to work with a licensed insurance agent or broker who specializes in Medicare. Agents can help you understand the differences between plans, explain costs and coverage, and handle the enrollment process for you. Agents do not charge you a fee — they are paid by the insurance company — but make sure the agent is licensed and not pressuring you to switch. If you use an agent, ask them to provide written confirmation of your enrollment.

Important Things to Do Before You Switch

Before you enroll in a new plan, check whether your doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies are in the new plan's network. Medicare Advantage plans use networks, which means you may pay more or get no coverage if you see an out-of-network provider. Visit the plan's website or call the plan and ask for a provider directory, or use Medicare.gov's Plan Finder to check in-network status.

Also review the new plan's formulary to see whether your current medications are covered and at what cost. If a drug you take is not on the formulary, contact the plan and ask whether you can request an exception or whether the plan covers a similar drug at a lower cost. Check the plan's out-of-pocket maximum, deductible, and copayments to understand what you will pay. Compare these costs to your current plan so you know whether switching will save you money.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I miss the enrollment period and do not have a may have access to event?

If you miss AEP and do not have a may have access to event, you generally cannot switch plans until the next AEP in October. The exception is if you are newly may be able to access for Medicare — you have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period to join a plan. If you are in this situation, contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to confirm your options.

Can I switch plans more than once a year?

During AEP, you can switch plans as many times as you want, but only your final enrollment will take effect on January 1. Outside AEP, you can only switch if you have a may have access to event, and you typically get one Special Enrollment Period per event. If you have multiple may have access to events in the same year, you may have multiple opportunities to switch.

Will my new plan cover prescriptions I filled under my old plan?

No. Once your new plan begins, prescriptions must be filled under your new plan's formulary and pharmacy network. Prescriptions filled before your switch takes effect are covered by your old plan. If you need a medication that is not on your new plan's formulary, ask your doctor to request an exception or to prescribe a covered alternative.

Do I have to notify my current plan that I am leaving?

You should notify your current plan, but it is not required. When Medicare processes your new enrollment, your old plan will be notified and your coverage will end. However, calling your old plan to confirm the end date prevents billing errors and ensures they stop charging you on the correct date.

What if I switch and then change my mind?

If you enroll in a new plan during AEP, you have until December 31 to switch again — you can change plans as many times as you want before the year ends. If you switch outside AEP using a Special Enrollment Period, you typically cannot switch again until the next AEP unless you have another may have access to event.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.