Can You Change Your Medicare Plan After December 7th?
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period goes from October 15th until December 7th.
Whether you missed the deadline to change your plan, didn’t realize you wanted to change your plan until it’s too late, or switched to a plan that ended up not being a good fit—you may be able to change your Medicare plan after the December 7th deadline using the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period or a Special Enrollment Period.
Particularly after the 2025 Annual Enrollment Period, more Medicare beneficiaries may have access to Special Enrollment Periods if they chose a plan based on incorrect plan information received via official CMS resources.
How to use the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period can be used by anyone enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan as of January 1st each year.
From January 1st to March 31st, you may either switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or switch to Original Medicare. If you switch to Original Medicare, you may also enroll in a standalone Part D (prescription drug) plan.
Why does the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period happen right after Annual Enrollment?
Medicare Annual Enrollment, which occurs every fall, can be an overwhelming time for people on Medicare. You are bombarded by endless calls, texts, mailers, and ads from Medicare insurance carriers and agents. Some people end up changing plans 2-3 times (and more) because they are influenced by pushy agents or misleading ads.
Because of the confusion caused by aggressive marketing and sales tactics, many people end up on plans that don’t actually fit their needs. You might not even know it until you go to pick up a prescription or see your regular doctor and are told your prescription or doctor are no longer covered.
So, Medicare created the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period to make sure people who fell victim to aggressive sales and marketing tactics could have a second chance to get on the right plan for their needs. If you’re enrolled in Original Medicare (not Medicare Advantage), you cannot use this period to join a Medicare Advantage plan. You’ll need to wait until the next Annual Enrollment Period or find a qualifying Special Enrollment Period to enroll in Medicare Advantage.
Marketing rules are very strict during this time, so you’ll see a lot fewer messages trying to steer you toward one plan or another.
How to use a Medicare Special Enrollment Period
There are a number of Special Enrollment Periods, and each has its own eligibility. If you are eligible for a Special Enrollment Period, you’ll need to make a change to your Medicare coverage within the specific deadline. Below, we’ll cover some of the most common Special Enrollment Periods, but you can find a full list here. If you’re unsure if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, please don’t hesitate to call us so we can help you understand the criteria.
Special Enrollment Period for moving
If you move, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. This is largely because your plan options could change. If you move to an area in which your plan is not offered or there are additional plans available, you are eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. In this scenario, your chance to switch plans lasts for two full months after your move.
Special Enrollment Period for loss of current coverage
Many people who are eligible for Medicare have different coverage. You may have a Special Enrollment Period of you:
Lose access to employer coverage
Are no longer eligible for Medicaid
Involuntarily lose creditable drug coverage
Special Enrollment Period if your plan changes its contract with Medicare
If your plan terminates its contract with Medicare, is taken over, or is otherwise discontinued, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.
What to do if you miss the Annual Enrollment Period and want to change coverage
Life happens, and people forget. So, if you want to change coverage, but missed the Annual Enrollment Period, then you’ll need to see if you’re eligible to change your coverage during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period or a Special Enrollment Period.
If you ever have any questions or feel uneasy about your Medicare, get in touch! Our licensed Medicare Advisors are here to help you find comfort in knowing you have the best Medicare coverage for your needs. And our Member Support Advocates can help you navigate the ins and outs of your specific plan to ensure you receive all of your benefits and minimize costs by using your insurance plan to its fullest. Call us at 855-900-2427 or schedule a time to chat to get started.