Home / When Can You Switch Medicare Plans? Enrollment Periods Explained
When Can You Switch Medicare Plans? Enrollment Periods Explained
There are a few set windows each year, and special enrollment periods for life events. Medigap has its own timing, which is why leaving Medicare Advantage needs planning.
The yearly windows
| Window | Dates | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Open Enrollment (Medicare Open Enrollment) | October 15 to December 7 | Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change plans, and join, switch or drop a Part D drug plan. Changes take effect January 1 of the following year. |
| Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period | January 1 to March 31 | Only if you are already in a Medicare Advantage plan: switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or leave it and return to Original Medicare (you can also join a separate Part D plan). Changes take effect the first of the month after your plan gets your request. |
Special enrollment periods (examples from Medicare.gov)
- You move outside your plan's service area, or to a new area with new plan options: your chance begins when you move and continues for 2 full months after (and starts a month earlier if you tell your plan before you move).
- You lose other coverage, such as employer or union coverage: you can join a plan for 2 full months after the month the coverage ends.
- Your plan's contract with Medicare ends or is not renewed: you can switch to another plan. If your plan's contract is not renewed, the period runs from December 8 to the last day of February. You are enrolled in Original Medicare if you do not join another Medicare Advantage plan.
- Trial period: if you joined Medicare Advantage when first eligible at 65 (or dropped Medigap to join for the first time), you can leave within 12 months and have special rights to buy Medigap.
- 5-star plan: a one-time period between December 8 and November 30 to switch to a 5-star plan if one is available in your area.
- Medicaid or Extra Help: a monthly chance to change drug coverage.
There are other events that may qualify. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) if yours is not listed.
Medigap runs on a separate clock
Medigap enrollment is not tied to Annual Open Enrollment. Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is 6 months from the first month you have Part B and are 65 or older, and after that you need a guaranteed issue right or you face underwriting. See federal guaranteed issue rights and state rules.
Sources
- Medicare.gov: Joining a plan
- Medicare.gov: Special Enrollment Periods
- Medicare.gov: Guaranteed issue rights
- KFF: Medigap Guaranteed Issue Requirements: An Overview of Federal and State Rules (Oct 13, 2026)
Common questions
When does Medicare Annual Open Enrollment start and end?
October 15 through December 7 each year. Changes take effect January 1.
Can I leave Medicare Advantage between January and March?
Yes. If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31) lets you switch to another plan or return to Original Medicare.