As a Medicare beneficiary, it’s essential to understand when and how you can switch your Medicare plans to ensure your health care coverage aligns with your current needs.
Understanding the Right Time to Change Plans 
The opportunity to change Medicare plans is typically tied to specific times of the year, each serving different purposes:
- The annual election period (AEP) runs from October 15 to December 7 each year, allowing changes from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, switches between Medicare Advantage plans or dropping a Medicare Advantage plan to return to Original Medicare. It’s also the time to join, drop or change a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
- Medicare Advantage’s open enrollment period is between January 1 and March 31 annually. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or switch back to Original Medicare (with or without a Part D plan).
- Special enrollment periods (SEPs) are triggered by specific life events, such as moving to a new address outside your plan’s service area, losing current coverage or changes in your plan’s contract with Medicare. SEPs allow changes outside the regular enrollment periods.
Why Annual Review of Your Medicare Plan Is Crucial
Health needs can change yearly, as can Medicare plans. Reviewing your plan annually is essential for several reasons:
- Coverage adjustments—Your health care needs may evolve, requiring different types of coverage. An annual review ensures your plan still covers your necessary medications and services.
- Cost considerations—Plans can change costs and coverage each year. Evaluating your plan annually helps you understand any cost changes affecting your budget.
- Provider network changes—Medicare Advantage plans may change their network of doctors and facilities. Ensure your preferred health care providers and hospitals are still in-network.
- New plan options—Medicare Advantage plans that better suit your needs or offer more value may be newly available.
How to Change Your Medicare Plan
Changing your Medicare plan involves several steps:
- Assess your current plan’s coverage, costs and convenience.
- Check for any changes in the plan’s Annual Notice of Change (ANOC).
- Compare other available plans in your area.
- Ensure you’re in the right enrollment period to change your plan.
If switching to a new Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, simply enrolling in the new one will automatically end your current plan. If switching back to Original Medicare from a Medicare Advantage plan, you must contact your current plan or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
Contact Us
Regularly reviewing and, if necessary, changing your Medicare plans ensures that your health coverage continues to meet your needs as they evolve. Contact Vanmar Insurance in Yakima, Washington, to learn more about switching your Medicare coverage.
This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.