Choosing and changing coverage
Can I change my Medicare plan, and when?
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Medicare Advantage plans in your area are changing or leaving for 2027.
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Medicare Advantage plans in your area are changing or leaving for 2027.
Is your plan one of them? Call now — one free call tells you.
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A real person answers. About 5 minutes, no obligation.
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Short answer
You can change Medicare Advantage and Part D plans during the Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 to December 7, for coverage that starts January 1.
People already in a Medicare Advantage plan get one more change from January 1 to March 31: to another Medicare Advantage plan, or back to Original Medicare with a Part D plan.
Outside those windows you need a Special Enrollment Period, for example after a move, when your plan leaves your area, or when you get Medicaid or Extra Help.
| Fact | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Enrollment Period | October 15 to December 7; changes start January 1 | Medicare.gov |
| Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period | January 1 to March 31; one change | Medicare.gov |
| Medicaid or Extra Help | Monthly: switch to Original Medicare with a stand-alone Part D plan | CMS |
| Plan leaves your area | Special Enrollment Period; Medigap guaranteed issue right | Medicare.gov |
| 5-star plan available | Once, December 8 to November 30 | Medicare.gov |
| Medigap | Apply any time; health questions may apply | Medicare.gov |
What can I change during Annual Enrollment?
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
- Leave a Medicare Advantage plan for Original Medicare, adding a stand-alone Part D plan.
- Join a Medicare Advantage plan from Original Medicare.
- Join, switch or drop a Part D drug plan.
If you make more than one change between October 15 and December 7, the last one counts. Open Enrollment for 2027: dates and plan changes.
What can I change from January 1 to March 31?
Only people in a Medicare Advantage plan can use the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, and only once: switch to another Medicare Advantage plan, or drop it for Original Medicare and join a Part D plan. It can't be used to move from Original Medicare into Medicare Advantage, or to switch between stand-alone Part D plans.
Which events let me change plans at other times?
- You move out of your plan's service area, or to an area with new plan options.
- Your plan leaves Medicare or stops serving your area. See What happens if my plan is leaving?
- You lose job-based or other creditable coverage.
- You get Medicaid or Extra Help (a change each month toward Original Medicare with a stand-alone Part D plan, and integrated plans for full-benefit dual-eligible people).
- You move into, live in, or leave a nursing home or similar institution.
- A 5-star plan is offered where you live.
Can I change my Medigap policy?
You can apply for a different Medigap policy at any time of year, but outside your Medigap Open Enrollment Period or a guaranteed issue right, the insurer can ask health questions and turn you down. Don't cancel your current policy until the new one is approved. The rules for Medigap.
On this site: Medicare Open Enrollment: this year's dates
Good to know
More questions people ask
Do I have to re-enroll in my Medicare plan every year?
What happens if I do nothing during Annual Enrollment?
How many times can I switch during Annual Enrollment?
Can I go back to my old plan?
Related questions
In depth
- Medicare.gov: Joining a health or drug plan
- Medicare.gov: Special Enrollment Periods
- Medicare.gov: Changing Medigap policies
Figures are Medicare’s, set nationally, and were checked against these pages on October 2026. For your own situation, contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048).
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This page was last updated: October 2026.