If you enroll in a Medicare plan and you find it doesn't meet your needs, you can switch plans at least once a year. It's a good idea to review your Medicare coverage each year to be sure it still provides the coverage you need at a price you can afford. For most, and depending on your situation, if you decide you want to switch plans, you have to wait for the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which is October 15 through December 7.
During the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 through December 7, you can add, drop or change your Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage or your Medicare Advantage plan. This is the only time of the year when you can do this, unless you qualify for an exception.
You can no longer switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan between January 1 and March 31 unless you qualify for an exception. However, if you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during the AEP, you have until February 14 of the following year to disenroll. If you disenroll, you will return to Original Medicare. If prescription drug coverage was included in your Medicare Advantage plan, you will be able to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan during this time.
Making an exception
There are some exceptions to the general rule that you can change your coverage only at certain times of the year.
In some cases you will have the right to change your coverage without waiting until the next AEP.
If you have a
Medicare Advantage plan, for example, and you move out of your plan's
service area, you will have a chance to change your coverage without waiting for the next AEP.
If your circumstances change, don't assume you must wait until the next AEP. Call the Medicare Helpline and ask about exceptions to the timing rules that might apply to you.
Important: You can add or drop Medicare supplement insurance coverage at any time. If you change plans, it is best to wait until the new plan is effective before dropping the old plan. Remember, insurers can't sell you a Medicare supplement insurance plan if you're a Medicare Advantage member unless you're dropping your Medicare Advantage plan to return to Original Medicare and wish to add a Medicare supplement insurance plan.