If you missed out on changing your Medicare Advantage plan during the Annual Enrollment Period that ran from October 15th to December 7th or if you made a plan change during that time and have changed your mind – all is not lost! The Medicare Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1st thru March 31st. During that time, you can change from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another.
You can also disenroll from your Medicare Advantage plan, go back to Original Medicare, purchase a Medigap Supplement and enroll into a stand-alone Part D Prescription Drug Plan. Remember, in most cases you will have to answer medical questions and be approved by the Medigap Supplement company. You will want to know you have been approved BEFORE you disenroll from your Medicare Advantage plan by enrolling in a Prescription Drug Plan. Your new plan selection becomes effective the first of the following month. If you submit an enrollment form in February for example, the new coverage will begin in March.
Special Enrollment Opportunities
You cannot change from one Prescription Drug Plan to another during this time and you cannot enroll into a Medicare Advantage plan if you didn't already have one in place. Those things will have to wait for the Annual Enrollment Period that begins on October 15th unless you qualify for an SEP (Special Enrollment Period).
In addition, there are other reasons throughout the year that may provide an opportunity for you to change plans using a Special Enrollment Period outside of the normal AEP and OEP time periods. If you currently have, get approved for, or lose extra help with your prescription drug costs (LIS) or Medicare costs (AHCCCS), you may be able to make plan changes. If you have or are newly diagnosed with a chronic illness like Diabetes, certain Cardiac Conditions, or ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease), you may qualify to elect a Chronic Illness Special Needs Medicare Advantage Plan. If you move to a new county or state where your plan is no longer valid, you can make a change. If you are losing other insurance (employer or retiree group, Tricare, CHAMPVA, etc.), you may have a special enrollment period. If any of those special situations apply to you, seek your advisor's advice and assistance right away as you may only have a limited amount of time to select a plan.
We are always here to answer your questions and make your Medicare and retirement journey 123 Easy.
By American Retirement Advisors
American Retirement Advisors helps retirees and pre-retirees navigate Medicare, estate planning, and retirement income — so you can enjoy the retirement you've earned.
You Might Also Like
- It's Almost Medicare Open Enrollment Time Again...
Medicare & Healthcare · Tammy Semler - What Changes Can Be Made During Medicare Open Enrollment?
Medicare & Healthcare · Tammy Semler - Your Medicare Options After Annual Enrollment Period Ends
Medicare & Healthcare · Tammy Semler
Easy Eddie's Take
This is absolutely right about those Medicare Open Enrollment Period opportunities from January through March. A lot of people ask me, "Can I change my Medicare plan after open enrollment ends in December?" The answer is yes, but with some important limits. This Medicare Open Enrollment Period, managed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, specifically lets you switch between Medicare Advantage plans or drop your Advantage plan entirely and return to Original Medicare Parts A and B.
Here's what most people are surprised to learn: if you decide to go back to Original Medicare during this period, you'll want to add a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy and a standalone Part D prescription drug plan. But here's the catch – Medigap insurance companies can require medical underwriting, meaning they can ask health questions and potentially deny coverage based on your current health status. That's why The advice to get approved for your Medigap policy before dropping your Medicare Advantage plan is so important.
For 2026, the Medicare Part B standard premium is $185 per month, and if you're considering these changes, it's worth reviewing your total out-of-pocket costs including premiums, deductibles, and copays. A little preparation during these enrollment windows can make a big difference in your healthcare coverage and costs.