Understanding Medicare basics
Learn the different parts of Medicare and get to know the various options you have to choose from. (Video, 5:15)
Open video transcriptMaking Medicare changes
Find a plan that works for you
If you’re satisfied with your current Medicare plan, you don’t need to do anything. Your plan will automatically renew each year. However, if it’s not meeting your needs, we can help you find a better solution.
When can you switch a Medicare plan?
Typically, you can make changes to a Medicare plan only during the Annual Election Period, which is Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year. Your new coverage will begin Jan. 1.
Open Enrollment Period: If you enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan for January 1, and don’t like your plan choice, you can switch to another Medicare health plan (either with or without Medicare prescription drug coverage) or switch to Original Medicare (either with or without Medicare prescription drug coverage) between January 1 and March 31. For more information, see Chapter 10, Section 2.2 of the Evidence of Coverage.
You may be able to take advantage of a Special Enrollment Period to make changes if you:
- Lose coverage through an employer.
- Move to a new service area.
- Belong to a Medicare Savings Program.
