You can change your Medicare Health Insurance Plan during Enrollment Periods that are available at different times of the year. Some are more extensive and the type of plan you are on plays a role. The following enrollment Periods apply to Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) and Prescription Drug Plans(Part D):
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period- October 15 – December 7
Medicare Beneficiaries can-
Change their Medicare Advantage Plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan.
Return to Original Medicare and add a Part D Prescription Drug Plan.
Change their Part D Prescription Drug Plan for another Part D Prescription Drug Plan.
Change their Part D Prescription Drug Plan for a Medicare Advantage Plan
Return to Original Medicare, add a Part D and add a Medicare Supplement(Medigap Plan.
Medicare Open Enrollment Period- January 1 – March 31
Medicare Beneficiaries can-
Return to Original Medicare and add a Part D Prescription Drug Plan.
Change their Medicare Advantage Plan for another Medicare Advantage Plan.
Medicare Supplement(Medigap) Plans
Medicare Beneficiaries can change their Medigap Plan for another Medigap Plan during the year. This applies to New York residents and other states that do not require a medical questionnaire. However, you cannot change the Part D Prescription Drug plan that goes with it unless the change is made during and acceptable enrollment period. It should be noted that you cannot combine a Medicare Supplement Plan with a Medicare Advantage Plan.
Special Enrollment Periods-
There are circumstances during the year which allow individuals to change their plan outside of the above enrolment periods. These include moving, developing a Chronic condition, becoming Medicaid eligible, certain weather events and more. For a complete list use the attached link.