When can you Change Medicare Plans?
UPDATED Oct. 28, 2023. The table below describes the most typical scenarios of when you can change Medicare Plans.
| Changing Medicare Plans | When can you change Medicare Plans? Details |
| Medicare Supplement to Medicare Supplement | You may add/drop/switch your Medicare Supplement policy at any time as long as you are enrolled in Original Medicare (not Medicare Advantage). The best time to do so is during the Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period, or when you have Guaranteed Issue Rights. Guaranteed Rights are triggered by specific situations, but the selection of available Medigap plans is limited. During other times the Medical Underwriting is typically required to add/switch Medicare Supplement plans. |
| Medicare Part D to Medicare Part D | Medicare Open Enrollment Period: Oct. 15 – Dec. 7. Add/drop/switch Part D coverage. Exception: People who qualify for extra assistance with their prescription drugs can make Part D changes once per quarter. |
| Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage | Medicare Open Enrollment Period: Oct. 15 – Dec. 7. Enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. |
| Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare | Medicare Open Enrollment Period: Oct. 15 – Dec. 7. Drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: Jan. 1 – Mar. 31. Drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare. You can also select a stand-alone Medicare Part D. |
| Medicare Advantage to Medicare Advantage | Medicare Open Enrollment Period: Oct. 15 – Dec. 7. Switch between Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: Jan. 1 – Mar. 31. Switch between Medicare Advantage plans. |
Table 1. When you can change Medicare Plans
Rules providing when you can change Medicare plans are somewhat restricted. Changes are ONLY allowed at specified times (except for switching between Medicare Supplement plans). It is because of this limited time frame that it is essential to be proactive. Give yourself enough time to compare the benefits and costs of your existing plan against a new plan.
US Government Sources
When can you Change Medicare Plans: Let us Help you
Liberty Medicare is here to help you every step of the way when it comes to changing and enrolling in the best and most suitable Medicare Plan for you. We can also help you to:
- Check whether you may have special circumstances known as Special Enrollment Period (SEP), which allows you to avoid the strict timing regulations as described above
- Identify Medicare Supplement insurance companies that may allow a more liberal medical underwriting policy in changing plans
All of our services are entirely free to you! Liberty Medicare represents many well-known Medicare providers in Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
If you are looking for Medicare advice, please allow us to guide you. To view real quotes from Medicare providers fill out our Medicare Quote form, or give us a call at 877-657-7477.