How to Switch Medicare Advantage Plans During the Annual Enrollment Period
- insuranceservicesb
- Aug 20
- 7 min read
If your current Medicare Advantage plan no longer fits your healthcare needs, budget, doctors, prescriptions, or preferred benefits, you may be able to switch Medicare Advantage plans during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). Each year, AEP runs from October 15 through December 7, and changes made during this period generally take effect January 1 of the following year.
A plan that worked well last year may not be the best choice for next year. Provider networks, premiums, drug coverage, copayments, benefits, and other plan details can change. Reviewing your coverage before AEP closes can help you make a more informed decision.
When Can You Switch Medicare Advantage Plans?
For most people, the primary opportunity to switch Medicare Advantage plans for the following year is the Annual Enrollment Period.
AEP dates are October 15 through December 7. During this window, people with Medicare can join, drop, or switch to another Medicare Advantage plan. Changes made during AEP generally become effective January 1, provided the plan receives the enrollment request by December 7.
There are other situations in which you may be able to change coverage. Medicare offers Special Enrollment Periods for certain qualifying circumstances, such as moving, losing other coverage, or experiencing other specific life events. The timing and options depend on the situation.
What Are the AEP Dates?
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period occurs every year from:
October 15 – December 7
Think of AEP as an annual opportunity to review whether your Medicare coverage still matches your needs.
Don't wait until December 7 to start comparing plans. Giving yourself time to review your doctors, medications, costs, and benefits can make the decision less stressful.
Why Consider Changing Medicare Plans?
There is no single Medicare Advantage plan that is right for everyone. Your healthcare needs and priorities can change from one year to the next.
You may want to consider changing Medicare plans if:
Your preferred doctor is no longer in your plan's network.
Your prescription costs have increased.
Your medications are covered differently.
Your plan's premiums or cost-sharing have changed.
You are paying more for services than expected.
A different plan offers benefits that better match your needs.
Your healthcare priorities have changed.
You are dissatisfied with your current plan's coverage or service.
However, don't switch based on one benefit or a low advertised premium alone. Medicare Advantage plans can differ in networks, cost-sharing, prescription coverage, rules for accessing care, and other features.
A complete annual review is often a better starting point than simply searching for the cheapest plan.
How to Switch Medicare Advantage Plans During AEP
The process of changing Medicare plans can be straightforward when you approach it systematically.
1. Review Your Current Plan
Start by looking at your current Medicare Advantage plan and identifying what works, and what doesn't.
Review:
Monthly premium
Annual deductible, if applicable
Copayments and coinsurance
Maximum out-of-pocket costs
Primary care and specialist costs
Hospital costs
Prescription drug coverage
Provider network
Pharmacy network
Additional benefits
Pay particular attention to changes that will apply in the upcoming plan year.
Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) can be an important resource when reviewing how your plan is changing. Compare those changes against how you actually use healthcare services.
2. Compare Available Medicare Advantage Plans
Once you understand your current coverage, compare the plans available in your area.
Don't evaluate plans using premium alone. A plan with a $0 monthly premium can still involve other out-of-pocket costs when you use healthcare services.
Consider the total picture, including:
Factor | What to Check |
Premium | What will you pay each month? |
Doctors | Are your preferred providers in network? |
Hospitals | Are your preferred hospitals included? |
Prescriptions | Are your medications covered? |
Drug costs | What will you pay at your pharmacy? |
Copays | How much do common services cost? |
Out-of-pocket maximum | What protection does the plan provide? |
Benefits | Which additional benefits are important to you? |
Network | Are you comfortable with the plan's provider network? |
Medicare's official plan comparison resources can also help you review available coverage options.
3. Confirm Your Doctors and Prescriptions
This step is easy to overlook, and potentially important.
Before you switch Medicare Advantage plans, verify that your important doctors and healthcare providers participate in the new plan's network.
Also review your prescription medications. Check whether each medication is included in the plan's formulary and understand how the plan's drug coverage applies.
If you regularly use a particular hospital, specialist, pharmacy, or healthcare facility, include those providers in your comparison.
4. Compare Costs Beyond the Premium
Healthcare costs are not limited to the monthly premium.
Look at how each plan handles the services you are most likely to use. For example, compare specialist visits, hospital services, diagnostic services, prescription medications, and other recurring healthcare expenses.
Also consider the plan's maximum out-of-pocket amount. This can be particularly relevant if you anticipate significant healthcare needs.
The goal isn't necessarily to find the plan with the lowest premium. The goal is to find coverage that makes sense for your overall situation.
5. Enroll in the New Plan Before AEP Ends
If you decide to change plans, complete your enrollment during the applicable enrollment period.
For AEP, the deadline is December 7. Medicare states that changes made during Open Enrollment take effect January 1 of the following year when the plan receives the enrollment request by December 7.
Keep confirmation of your enrollment and review the information you receive from the new plan.
What Happens After You Switch?
When you enroll in a different Medicare Advantage plan during AEP, your new coverage generally begins January 1 of the following year.
Before the new plan begins, continue following the requirements of your current coverage.
After receiving information from the new plan, review your member materials, provider information, drug coverage, and other important details.
If something doesn't look right, contact the plan or Medicare promptly.
AEP vs. Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
The names can be confusing because both periods allow certain Medicare Advantage changes.
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 through December 7. During this period, you can join, drop, or switch Medicare Advantage plans, among other permitted changes. Coverage from an AEP change generally begins January 1.
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) runs from January 1 through March 31 for people who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. During this period, you can make one change: switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or leave Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare, with the option to join a separate Medicare drug plan. Changes generally take effect the first day of the month after the plan receives the request.
Period | Dates | Main Medicare Advantage Options |
Annual Enrollment Period | Oct. 15–Dec. 7 | Join, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage |
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment | Jan. 1–Mar. 31 | Switch Medicare Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare if already enrolled in Medicare Advantage |
Special Enrollment Period | Varies | Changes may be available after qualifying life events |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When changing Medicare plans, avoid making a decision based on a single feature.
Ignoring your doctors: A plan may look attractive until you discover that an important provider isn't in network.
Checking only the premium: Your total healthcare expenses can depend on deductibles, copays, coinsurance, prescriptions, and other cost-sharing.
Forgetting prescription coverage: A plan's drug coverage can be just as important as its medical benefits.
Waiting until the last minute: Starting your review early gives you more time to compare options and resolve questions before the AEP deadline.
Assuming all plans are the same: Medicare Advantage plans can differ considerably in networks, costs, benefits, and coverage rules.
What If You Miss AEP?
Missing AEP does not necessarily mean you have no options.
If you're already enrolled in Medicare Advantage, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 through March 31 and allows eligible beneficiaries to make one qualifying change.
You may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period based on certain circumstances, such as moving or losing other coverage. Eligibility and deadlines vary according to the event.
Because enrollment rules can be situation-specific, check your eligibility with Medicare or a qualified Medicare insurance professional before assuming you must wait until the next enrollment period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch Medicare Advantage plans during AEP?
Yes. During the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 through December 7, you can generally switch from your current Medicare Advantage plan to another Medicare Advantage plan.
When does my new Medicare Advantage plan start?
A change made during AEP generally becomes effective January 1 of the following year, as long as the plan receives your enrollment request by December 7.
What is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs January 1 through March 31 for people already enrolled in Medicare Advantage. During this period, eligible beneficiaries can switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare and join a separate Part D drug plan.
Can I change Medicare Advantage plans after December 7?
You may have another opportunity during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period if you're already enrolled in Medicare Advantage, or you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period because of a qualifying circumstance.
Should I compare my Medicare Advantage plan every year?
An annual review can help you identify changes in costs, provider networks, prescription coverage, and benefits. Medicare Advantage plan details can change, so reviewing your coverage before enrollment deadlines can be useful.
Can I switch plans if my doctor leaves the network?
Depending on your circumstances, there may be enrollment options, including certain Special Enrollment Periods. Medicare lists specific circumstances that can create an opportunity to switch plans.
Is switching Medicare Advantage plans difficult?
The enrollment itself can be straightforward, but choosing the right plan requires careful comparison. Reviewing your doctors, prescriptions, costs, network, and benefits before enrolling can help you make a more informed choice.
Conclusion
The Annual Enrollment Period gives Medicare beneficiaries an important opportunity to reassess their coverage and switch Medicare Advantage plans for the coming year. AEP runs from October 15 through December 7, with changes generally taking effect January 1.
The best time to begin isn't the final week of AEP. Start by reviewing your current plan, then compare providers, prescriptions, costs, networks, and benefits. If your current plan isn't working, switching is easier than you think.
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