Reviewed for accuracy by Lauri Middleton, RN, MSN, licensed Medicare agentReviewed for clarity by Karen OrillaMeet our reviewers →
Sometimes. If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, you get one more change between January 1 and March 31 — to another Medicare Advantage plan, or back to Original Medicare with a drug plan. People in Original Medicare do not get that period. Outside those windows you need a Special Enrollment Period, which certain events create: moving, losing other coverage, your plan leaving your area, or qualifying for Extra Help or Medi-Cal.
Apply this to my situationThe rules behind this
January to March: one more chance if you are in Medicare Advantage
From January 1 to March 31, people enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can make one change: switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan, or go back to Original Medicare (and join a drug plan).
Who this is for
People enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan on January 1.
What changes it
- People in Original Medicare cannot use this period to join Medicare Advantage.
The question that settles it
“I am in a Medicare Advantage plan. Can I still make one change before March 31, and what would it be?” — HICAP.
October 15 to December 7: the yearly window to change plans
Every year during Open Enrollment you can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change Medicare Advantage plans, or join, drop or change a drug plan. Changes take effect January 1.
Who this is for
Everyone who already has Medicare.
What changes it
- Switching from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare does not by itself guarantee a Medigap policy; see the Medigap rule.
The question that settles it
“If I make this change by December 7, exactly what will my coverage be on January 1?” — Medicare Plan Finder or HICAP.
Get help
Free Medicare counseling
California HICAP offers free, confidential Medicare counseling. Ask the local program about language and appointment availability.
California HICAP1-800-MEDICARE
Call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask for an interpreter. TTY: 1-877-486-2048.
Call Medicare · 1-800-633-4227Official information in other languages ↗External resource. Some pages are in English; ask for language assistance if needed.