How to Change Your Medicare Coverage During Enrollment Periods
There are many things that can influence which Medicare health plan works best for you. Once you have selected and enrolled in a plan, however, the government limits when you can switch Medicare plans. Every year, thousands of Medicare enrollees decide they want or need to swap plans, so there is no reason for you to feel alone in this process.
Changing Your Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare Plan
There are many things to look at when you’re deciding whether you want to switch Medicare plans. One factor to consider is cost. There may be different premium costs and copays for Medicare Advantage plans when compared to Original Medicare, and you can also expect the amount you spend in out-of-pocket costs to vary from plan to plan.
Keep in mind that there are different rates for copays and prescriptions, and you’ll need to be sure you choose the best option to fit your specific health needs.
There are only a few times each year when you can switch Medicare plans, so it’s important to be prepared and not miss these enrollment periods. Missing an enrollment deadline could leave you without coverage — and that could mean missing out on the care you need.
If you plan on switching Medicare plans, make a note of the different enrollment periods so you can ensure you have the coverage you need when you need it.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
Every fall, Medicare holds its Annual Enrollment Period, which gives you the chance to review and make changes to your Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Original Medicare (Parts A and B) plans.
The Annual Enrollment Period occurs between October 15 and December 7 every year. During this time, you can:
- Enroll in a Medicare plan
- Switch from your current Medicare Advantage plan to a different Medicare Advantage plan
- Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage
- Switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare
- Adding, dropping, or switching Medicare Part D prescription drug plans
- Joining a Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan (SNP) if you qualify
Once you change your Medicare plan, your new coverage will take effect on January 1 the following year.
If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during the Annual Enrollment Period, you are allowed to make a one-time change during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, which occurs between January 1 to March 31. During this period, you can leave your Medicare Advantage plan and switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare. If you switch to Original Medicare, you can also select a Part D plan to supplement your prescription drug coverage.
- Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 - December 7
- Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP): January 1 - March 31
Open Enrollment Period (OEP)
Medicare's Open Enrollment Period gives you a chance to make changes to your Medicare coverage if you're not completely satisfied with your plan choice. Running from January 1 to March 31 each year, this period is specifically designed for people already enrolled in Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan.
During the Open Enrollment Period, you have the flexibility to:
- Switch from your current Medicare Advantage plan to a different Medicare Advantage plan
- Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage
- Switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare
- Add a standalone Part D prescription drug plan if you switch back to Original Medicare
This is your opportunity to fine-tune your coverage and ensure you have a health plan that truly fits your needs. Keep in mind that any changes you make during this period will take effect the first day of the month after your plan receives your request. So, if you submit your change in February, your new coverage will typically begin on March 1st.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
You may qualify to make changes to your Medicare plan when certain events happen in your life. Some of the most common events that would trigger a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) would be if you move or if you lose coverage from your current health plan. There are other life events that can trigger a Medicare Special Enrollment Period, including:
- Moving back to the U.S. from a foreign country
- You recently had a change of employment
- You left your employer or union
- You have a chance to enroll in coverage offered by your employer
- You're no longer eligible for Medicaid
- You have a severe or disabling condition and there is a Chronic Condition Special Needs Plan (C-SNP) available that may be a better fit for you
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans (SNP)
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A If your Medicare Advantage plan includes Part D prescription drug coverage and you disenroll, you'll want to enroll in a standalone Part D plan right away. This helps you avoid any gaps in your prescription coverage and prevents potential late enrollment penalties that could increase your costs down the road.
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A A Special Enrollment Period is your opportunity to change Medicare plans outside the standard enrollment windows when certain qualifying life events occur. These might include moving to a new area, losing your current coverage, becoming eligible for Medicaid, and more. This ensures you can get the right coverage when your life circumstances change.
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A You have the flexibility to disenroll from your Medicare Advantage plan during eligible enrollment periods. When you disenroll, you'll either return to Original Medicare or have the option to move to another Medicare Advantage plan. Making sure you have continuous coverage is important for your health and peace of mind.
Click here for more Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Medicare Advantage.
Making Your Medicare Plan Work for You
Changing your Medicare plan doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're enrolling during Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period, Open Enrollment Period, or qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, the key is finding coverage that truly fits your healthcare needs and lifestyle.
At Alignment Health Plan, we believe your Medicare plan should support the life you want to live. Our 24/7 ACCESS On-Demand Concierge service means you'll never navigate these decisions alone. We're here to help you understand your options every step of the way.
Give us a call at 1-888-293-8272 (TTY: 711) to learn more about your Medicare options and to find the coverage that's right for you. We are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., 7 days a week (except Thanksgiving and Christmas) from October 1 through March 31 and Monday to Friday (except holidays) from April 1 through September 30.
You can also explore your options here at Alignment Health Plan with our online Plan Finder tool or register to attend a seminar to see which Medicare Advantage plans are available in your area.