Thinking about changing your Medicare Advantage coverage? You can switch plans during Medicare Open Enrollment (Oct. 15–Dec. 7) or during Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (Jan. 1–March 31). You may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period based on certain factors. During these enrollment periods, you can change plans or return to original Medicare .
“As with many things in life, there are pros and cons to Medicare Advantage, and those can change depending on your health, financial circumstances, availability of providers, and other factors,” explained Ryan Ramsey, a Medicare expert and Associate Director of Health Coverage and Benefits at NCOA.
Here’s how to switch Medicare Advantage plans, when your new coverage starts, and what to check before making a change.
Snapshot: When Can You Switch Medicare Advantage Plans? | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Enrollment period | When it happens | What you can do | When new coverage starts |
| Medicare Open Enrollment | Oct. 15–Dec. 7 each year | Switch Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, join MA from original Medicare, or return to Original Medicare. | Jan. 1 of the following year. |
| Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment | Jan. 1–March 31 each year | If you already have MA, switch to another MA plan or return to original Medicare. You can make one change during this period. | Typically, the first day of the month after your request is received. |
| Special Enrollment Period | Varies based on qualifying circumstances, such as moving or losing certain coverage | Join, switch, or leave a plan, depending on the rules for your situation. | Varies; often the first day of the following month. |
When can you switch Medicare Advantage plans?
If you’re generally happy with getting your Medicare benefits through a private insurer—but want different coverage options—you can swap out your plan during one of these specific times of year:
- Oct. 15–Dec. 7: Annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period
- Jan. 1–March 31: Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
Once you choose a new Medicare Advantage plan, you automatically will be disenrolled (dropped) from your previous plan once your new plan’s coverage begins.
How do I switch from Medicare Advantage to original Medicare?
If you decide you would rather get your Medicare benefits directly through the federal government than a private Medicare Advantage plan, you can make that switch during one of three enrollment periods during the year:
- Oct. 15–Dec. 7: Annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period
- Jan. 1–March 31: Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
- Varying dates: Medicare Advantage Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)
These SEPs are available during times when life takes a turn. For example, you may qualify for an SEP if:
- You moved out of your plan's service area.
- You moved back to the U.S. after living abroad.
- You lose your current health coverage (e.g., Medicaid).
- Your plan stops servicing your area.
- You joined a plan based on incorrect or misleading information.
- A natural disaster or emergency affected your ability to enroll.
Some SEPs are tied to changes in your eligibility or circumstances, such as becoming eligible for a Special Needs Plan (SNP), gaining Medicaid (becoming dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid), or qualifying for the Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), also called Extra Help.
Learn more about the Medicare Advantage (SEPs).
If you switch from Medicare Advantage to original Medicare, your new coverage begins on the first day of the month immediately following the date you changed your plan. For example, if you choose your new plan on Jan. 10, your new coverage would start on Feb. 1.
How do I sign up for Medicare Advantage for the first time?
If you are newly eligible for Medicare based on your age (you are turning 65) or a qualified disability, you can select a Medicare Advantage plan during your individualized Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). Your IEP depends on your birthday month and/or whether you have met a 24-month waiting period following a disability determination. Learn more.
Is there a penalty for switching Medicare Advantage plans?
As long as you pay attention to the enrollment periods listed above, you will not incur a penalty for changing Medicare Advantage plans or switching to original Medicare or vice-versa.
But there is one important situation to be aware of: Part D prescription drug coverage. Most Medicare Advantage plans automatically include Part D while original Medicare does not. If you switch from Medicare Advantage to original Medicare and do not choose a Part D plan within 63 days, you may incur a late enrollment penalty and / or higher premiums for it. Learn more about the Part D late enrollment penalty.
Changing your Medicare Advantage plan and its impact on Medigap
Many people who enroll in original Medicare also choose a Medigap plan. Private insurance companies sell these plans, which are supplemental insurance policies designed to help you cover the out-of-pocket costs related to Part A and Part B. These include deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and more. (You can’t buy a Medigap plan if you’re enrolled in Medicare Advantage).
What if you switch from Medicare Advantage to original Medicare? Can you buy a Medigap plan then? Yes, with caveats. Here's how it works:
- If you enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan when you first became eligible for Medicare—and you’re unsatisfied with the plan—you have the right to purchase a Medigap policy within 12 months of switching. If you wait longer, you may have to go through the medical underwriting process, which could significantly increase the cost of your policy.
- You also may enroll in Medigap if you move to a new geographic area that doesn’t offer Medicare Advantage plans. In some cases, you might be able to get back a Medigap policy if you had one previously. Otherwise, you will need to buy a new one. The eligibility rules can be a little confusing, so it may help to speak to an expert.
Who can I talk to about Medicare?
There’s a lot to consider when choosing your Medicare coverage for 2027. Some Medicare Advantage insurers may decide to scale back benefits, change plan designs, or stop offering certain plans in particular counties. These changes may affect your coverage choices, how much you pay out of pocket during the year, and the extra benefits you’re entitled to (e.g., dental, vision, fitness, transportation).
“Fortunately, older adults don’t have to figure out their Medicare coverage options all on their own,” Ramsey said. “There are people you can talk to who are knowledgeable about Medicare’s ins and outs. These experts can help you understand how 2027 coverage changes might affect your own health care, finances, and access to services. They can also show you options that might be a better fit for your needs, if necessary.”
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to talk with a customer support representative about your Medicare questions and concerns—or visit the Medicare.gov website to start a live chat. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. The Medicare Support Hotline is available 24/7, except for some federal holidays.
Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) can help, too. SHIP counselors provide personalized, qualified, and unbiased Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid guidance at no cost to you.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I change Medicare Advantage plans outside open enrollment?
Yes, in certain situations. Outside Medicare’s fall Open Enrollment (Oct. 15–Dec. 7), you can switch Medicare Advantage plans:
- During Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (Jan. 1–March 31): If you already have Medicare Advantage, you can switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or return to original Medicare once during this period.
- During a Special Enrollment Period: You may qualify if, for example, you move outside your plan’s service area, lose certain coverage, or your plan stops serving your area. Deadlines and allowed changes depend on your situation.
Can I switch from Medicare Advantage to original Medicare?
Yes. You can switch from Medicare Advantage to original Medicare during Medicare Open Enrollment (Oct. 15–Dec. 7) or Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (Jan. 1–March 31). You may also be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.
If you switch, you’ll probably need a separate Part D plan to cover your prescription medications. You may also want to purchase a Medigap policy to help pay original Medicare’s out-of-pocket costs (restrictions may apply). See what your options are before leaving your Medicare Advantage plan.
Can I change plans if my doctor leaves the network?
You can change plans during an eligible enrollment period, but your doctor leaving the network doesn’t automatically mean you can switch at any time. If Medicare decides the network change is significant, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to switch plans or return to original Medicare.
If losing your doctor threatens to disrupt your ongoing treatment or put your health at risk, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to explain your situation and ask about your options. And before switching, double-check that your doctor participates in the new plan.
Sources
1. Medicare.gov. Learn How Medigap Works. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/medigap/basics/how-medigap-works
2. Medicare.gov. Avoid late enrollment penalties. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/medicare-costs/avoid-penalties
