How to Switch Medicare Plans During Annual Enrollment Period
The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 – December 7. Here's a clear, step-by-step guide to switching.
Once a year, Medicare gives you a clean slate. From October 15 through December 7, you can review your coverage and switch to a plan that fits you better for the year ahead — and any change you make takes effect January 1. It's the single best window to fix a plan that's no longer working, lower your costs, or pick up benefits you've been missing.
The catch is that the window closes quietly, and most people let it pass without a second look. This guide walks you through exactly what you can change, and how to do it, step by step.
What you can change during AEP
The Annual Enrollment Period is flexible — it's not just for switching one plan for another. During this window you can:
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or the other way around
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- Join, drop, or change a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
Switching, step by step
Mark the dates
Put October 15 and December 7 on your calendar. You don't have to decide on day one, but you don't want to be scrambling on December 6 either. Whatever you choose during this window starts fresh on January 1.
Read your Annual Notice of Change
If you're already in a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, your insurer mails you an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) in the fall. It spells out exactly what's changing for next year — premiums, copays, drug coverage, and networks.
Don't toss it. A plan that fit you perfectly this year can look very different next year, and the ANOC is your early warning.
Take stock of what you actually need
Before comparing plans, make a short list: the doctors and hospitals you want to keep, the prescriptions you take, and what you can comfortably spend. Note any health changes from the past year — a new diagnosis or a new medication can change which plan is the best value.
Compare plans the right way
Use the official Plan Finder at Medicare.gov to see what's available in your ZIP code. Look past the monthly premium and check the things that drive your real costs: is each of your doctors in-network, are your medications on the drug list (formulary), and what's the estimated total yearly cost — not just the premium?
This is the step where a licensed agent saves the most time, because matching doctors and drugs to the right plan is exactly where it gets tedious.
Make the switch
Once you've chosen, enroll in the new plan. In most cases you don't need to cancel your old one — enrolling in a new Medicare Advantage or Part D plan automatically ends your previous one. Keep your enrollment confirmation number.
One important note: if you're leaving a Medicare Advantage plan to return to Original Medicare and want a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy, you may have to answer health questions to qualify, depending on your situation. It's worth understanding that before you make the move.
Confirm and keep records
Watch for your confirmation and your new plan materials and ID card. Your new coverage begins January 1 — so use your current plan through December 31, and start using the new one in the new year. Review your first statement to make sure everything is being applied correctly.
If you're already in a Medicare Advantage plan, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31) gives you one more chance to switch plans or return to Original Medicare. And certain life events — like moving or losing other coverage — can open a Special Enrollment Period at other times of the year.
The bottom line
The Annual Enrollment Period is your yearly opportunity to make sure your coverage still fits your life. A little review now — your doctors, your drugs, your costs — can save you real money and frustration all next year. If comparing plans feels overwhelming, you don't have to do it alone.
Not sure where you stand? Take a quick quiz
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A licensed Health Plus One agent can compare your options side by side and handle the details — no cost, no pressure.
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This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical, legal, or financial advice. Enrollment periods, plan availability, costs, and rules can change. Eligibility for a Medicare Supplement policy without medical underwriting depends on your individual circumstances and applicable guaranteed-issue rights. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227, TTY 1-877-486-2048), or contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
Health Plus One Agency is not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.