How to switch Medicare plans during Open Enrollment

The dates that matter

Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7 every year. This year that is October 15 to December 7, 2026. Any change you make starts on January 1, 2027.

The plan you are joining must get your request by December 7, 2026. Don't wait for the last day: give yourself time to check doctors, drugs, and pharmacies first.

What you can change

During Open Enrollment, you can join, drop, or switch a Medicare Advantage plan, with or without drug coverage. You can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare. If you have Original Medicare, you can join, drop, or switch a Medicare drug plan (Part D).

Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) works differently: it is not part of Open Enrollment, and an insurance company may be able to turn you down for health reasons. Read Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage before you leave a Medigap policy or go back to Original Medicare.

How to sign up for a new plan

Medicare lists three ways to join a plan. You can select “Enroll” for the plan on Medicare.gov's plan finder (medicare.gov/plan-compare). You can contact the plan by phone or on its website; if you ask for a paper form, the plan must get it before Open Enrollment ends. Or you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

Before you call anyone, compare plans near you on PlanScout so you know which plan you want and why.

What happens to the old plan

When you join a new Medicare drug plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage, your old drug coverage ends when the new coverage begins. The new plan sends a letter telling you when your coverage starts, so you don't need to cancel the old plan yourself.

If you are leaving a Medicare Advantage plan for Original Medicare, decide on drug coverage at the same time. Medicare says that if you go 63 days or more in a row without Medicare drug coverage or other creditable drug coverage, you'll have to wait for an enrollment period to sign up, and you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty.

If you change your mind: January to March

If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan on January 1, 2027, you get one more chance from January 1 to March 31, 2027. You can switch to another Medicare Advantage plan, or drop your Advantage plan and go back to Original Medicare and join a separate drug plan. The new coverage starts the first of the month after the plan gets your request.

This window is only for people already in a Medicare Advantage plan, and federal rules allow one change during it. If you have Original Medicare with a stand-alone drug plan, it does not apply to you.

Other times are limited to certain life events, such as moving or losing other coverage. People affected by a declared emergency or major disaster may also get a Special Enrollment Period — check your ZIP on our Medicare basics page.

Common mistakes to avoid

Not checking the network. Medicare Advantage plans may require you to use doctors and hospitals in the plan's network for non-emergency care. Look up every doctor, specialist, and hospital by name before you switch.

Not checking the drug list and pharmacy. Enter every prescription, with the dose, and the pharmacy you actually use. A plan that looks cheaper can cost more if a drug is not covered or your pharmacy is out of network.

Skipping the rules on approvals. Medicare Advantage plans may need a referral to see a specialist or approval in advance (prior authorization) for some services. Ask how that works for the care you already get.

Trusting a cold call. Plans can't call you unless you are already a member or you gave them permission, and they can't ask for bank or credit card numbers over the phone unless it is needed to process an enrollment. When in doubt, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE.

Checklist

• Read the plan's Annual Notice of Change for 2027.
• Write down every drug and dose, every doctor, and the pharmacy you use.
• Compare plans and check each doctor, drug, and pharmacy by name.
• If leaving Medicare Advantage, decide on drug coverage at the same time.
• Enroll by December 7, 2026, and keep the confirmation number.
• Watch the mail for the new plan's letter with the start date.
• Get free, unbiased help from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) if you're unsure.