It’s a new year… but the Medicare mail hasn’t stopped, the commercials are still running, and maybe you’re wondering: “Can I still make changes to my Medicare plan?”
Good question — and the answer might surprise you. From January 1st through March 31st, Medicare does allow changes, but not for everyone — and not every kind of change. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C), this window could be important. If you’re on Original Medicare with a Medigap Supplement, the rules are different.
Let’s walk through exactly what you can and can’t do, and why this time of year is still worth paying attention to — even after the buzz of fall’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) dies down.
✅ What You Can Do During January 1 March 31
This period is officially known as the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP). It’s specifically for people already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan (also known as Part C).
Here’s what you can do:
➤ 1. Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
Let’s say your current plan isn’t working out — maybe the network is too limited, your doctors aren’t covered, or your drug costs are higher than expected. You have a one-time opportunity during this period to switch to another Advantage plan.
➤ 2. Drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare
If you’ve decided Medicare Advantage isn’t for you, you can switch back to Original Medicare (Part A & B). You’ll also have the option to enroll in a Part D (prescription drug) plan — which is essential, because Original Medicare doesn’t include drug coverage.
⚠️ Important: In most states, if you return to Original Medicare and want a Medicare Supplement Plan (Medigap), you may need to go through medical
underwriting unless you qualify for a special situation (like a trial right or other guaranteed issue right). This means the insurance company can review your health history and potentially deny you or charge more.
✅ But Not Everywhere: Some states, like New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, have continuous guaranteed issue rules — meaning you can
switch to a Medigap plan at any time without medical underwriting. If you’re in one of these states, you can drop a Medicare Advantage plan and enroll in a Supplement plan more freely.
🚫 What You Can’t Do During This Time
This period is not open season for every Medicare enrollee. Here’s what’s off-limits:
● ❌ You can’t join a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time if you’re not already enrolled in one.
● ❌ You can’t enroll in a Medigap plan without underwriting (unless you’re in a guaranteed-issue state or qualify for a special situation).
● ❌ You can’t switch standalone Part D plans if you’re not also switching out of an Advantage plan.
🤔 Should You Make a Change?
It depends.
Here are a few reasons someone might want to change their Advantage plan in the first few months of the year:
● Your doctor is no longer in-network
● Your medications aren’t covered or cost more than expected
● Your plan has referrals or authorizations you weren’t aware of
● You’re dealing with unexpected out-of-pocket costs
● You prefer the flexibility of Original Medicare + Medigap
🧭 Let Your Medicare Advisor Guide You
Before you make any changes, it’s smart to talk to a licensed Medicare advisor. This is not the time to roll the dice with an 800-number or respond to a pushy TV ad.
A good advisor can:
● Review your current plan
● Compare it to other available plans in your area
● Evaluate your doctors, medications, and hospital networks
● Help you understand your eligibility to move to a Medigap plan
● Make sure there are no coverage gaps or surprises
And remember: Working with a Medicare advisor is usually completely free to you.
🗓 Deadlines to Know
● The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 to March 31.
● Changes take effect on the first of the month after the change is made.
So, if you switch plans on February 10, your new coverage starts March 1.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
What if I just want to switch my drug plan?
You can’t do that during this period unless you’re switching from a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage back to Original Medicare and selecting a new standalone drug plan (Part D). Otherwise, you’ll have to wait for the Annual Enrollment Period in the fall.
Can I switch back to Medicare Advantage after going back to Original Medicare?
Not during this period. You’d generally need to wait until the next Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) to switch back to a Medicare Advantage plan — unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
I just started a Medicare Advantage plan in January — can I still switch?
Yes. If your new Advantage plan started on January 1, and this is your first time in an Advantage Plan you have 12 months to change your mind..
I live in New York — can I get a Medigap plan without medical questions?
Yes! New York is one of the few states where you can enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan without medical underwriting at any time of year, including when leaving a Medicare Advantage plan.
🚦Final Thoughts
The beginning of the year is more than just a time for resolutions — it’s also a time to evaluate your Medicare coverage. Whether your needs have changed or your plan didn’t meet expectations, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period gives you a second chance to get it right. But don’t go it alone — your Medicare advisor is your best resource for making the right decision, the first time.
