How to Switch Your Medicare Plan: Changing Medicare Advantage or Part D
How to switch or change your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan: when you can do it, the steps to enroll, what happens to your old plan, and whether it costs anything.
You can switch your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan during set enrollment windows, and switching is free. You do not cancel your old plan yourself, enrolling in the new one moves you automatically. Here is when you can change plans, how to do it step by step, and what happens to your current coverage.
When can you switch plans?
You can change your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan during any of these windows:
- Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7): open to everyone, for any reason. New coverage starts January 1. This is the main window, work through our Open Enrollment checklist first.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31): only if you are already in a Medicare Advantage plan, and you get one change.
- A Special Enrollment Period: any time of year, if a qualifying life event (like moving or losing coverage) opens one for you.
How to switch your plan, step by step
- Review your current plan. Read your Annual Notice of Change, the letter your plan mails each September, to see what is changing for next year.
- Compare the plans in your area. Look at each plan's monthly premium, deductible, and out-of-pocket maximum, whether it covers your drugs and pharmacies, whether your doctors are in network, and its extra benefits.
- Enroll in the new plan. You can enroll at Medicare.gov, by calling the plan or 1-800-MEDICARE, or with a licensed advocate. You do not need to cancel your current plan first.
- Confirm your start date. Coverage from an Annual Enrollment Period change begins January 1. Keep your old plan's cards until the new coverage is active.
Switching between different types of coverage
- Medicare Advantage to another Medicare Advantage plan: straightforward during any valid window. Enrolling in the new plan disenrolls you from the old one.
- Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare: you can drop your Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare, then add a standalone Part D drug plan. If you also want a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan, be careful: outside your one-time Medigap open enrollment window, insurers can use medical underwriting and may charge more or deny you.
- Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage: join an Advantage plan during a valid window, as long as you have Part A and Part B and live in the plan's service area.
- Switching only your Part D drug plan: you can change your standalone drug plan during the same windows, without touching the rest of your coverage.
Does switching cost anything?
No. There is no fee to switch plans or to enroll, whether you do it yourself at Medicare.gov or with a licensed advocate. You only pay the new plan's normal premium and cost-sharing once your coverage starts.
What happens to your old plan?
You do not cancel it manually. When your new Medicare Advantage or Part D plan takes effect, Medicare automatically disenrolls you from the old one. Canceling on your own can create a coverage gap, so simply enroll in the new plan and let the switch happen.
Common questions about switching Medicare plans
How do I change my Medicare Advantage plan?
Enroll in the new plan during a valid window (the Annual Enrollment Period, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, or a Special Enrollment Period) at Medicare.gov, by phone, or with an advocate. Enrolling in the new plan automatically ends the old one.
Do I have to cancel my old plan first?
No. Enrolling in a new Medicare Advantage or Part D plan disenrolls you from your current one automatically. Canceling yourself first can leave you with a coverage gap.
Can I switch Medicare plans any time of year?
Only during the Annual Enrollment Period, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (if you are in an Advantage plan), or a Special Enrollment Period tied to a life event. People with Medicaid or Extra Help may have extra chances.
Will switching plans cost me anything?
No. There is no charge to switch or enroll. You pay only the new plan's regular premium and cost-sharing after it starts.
Can I go back to Original Medicare from Medicare Advantage?
Yes, during a valid window. You would drop the Advantage plan, return to Original Medicare, and usually add a standalone Part D plan. Adding a Medigap plan later can involve medical underwriting, so weigh that first.
Not sure which plan to switch to, or whether now is the right time? A licensed Medicare Advocate will compare your options, confirm your enrollment window, and handle the switch for you, at no cost. Give us a call.