Your Medicare plan might have been great last year. But plans change every year. Costs go up. Doctors leave networks. Medications get dropped from coverage. What worked in 2025 might not work in 2026.
The good news: You can switch Medicare plans every year during Open Enrollment. And it could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
This guide explains exactly how to switch, when to switch, and what to look for in a new plan.
When Can You Switch Medicare Plans?
Annual Open Enrollment Period (AEP)
October 15 through December 7, every year.
This is the main window when anyone on Medicare can make changes. Your new plan starts January 1 of the following year.
During this period, you can:
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to a different one
- Switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare
- Join a Part D prescription drug plan
- Switch from one Part D plan to another
- Drop your Part D plan (not recommended — you could face a late penalty)
You can make as many changes as you want during this period. Only your last change before December 7 takes effect.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MAOEP)
January 1 through March 31, every year.
This is only for people already in a Medicare Advantage plan.
During this period, you can:
- Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan
- Switch back to Original Medicare and add a Part D plan
You can only make ONE change during this period. Once you make a change, you’re done until the next October.
Special Enrollment Periods (SEP)
You may be able to switch outside of Open Enrollment if you have a qualifying life event:
- You move to a new area
- You lose employer coverage
- Your plan leaves your area or stops participating in Medicare
- You qualify for Extra Help with Part D costs
- You enter or leave a nursing home
- You have both Medicare and Medicaid
If you think you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to confirm.
Why Should You Review Your Plan Every Year?
Because plans change. Every single year, Medicare plans can change:
Costs change:
- Monthly premiums go up or down
- Copays change
- Deductibles change
- Out-of-pocket maximums change
Drug coverage changes:
- Your medication might be moved to a higher tier (costing you more)
- Your medication might be dropped from the formulary entirely
- New generic alternatives might be available on cheaper tiers
Doctor networks change:
- Your doctor might leave the plan’s network
- Your preferred hospital might no longer be in network
- New doctors might join that are closer to you
Benefits change:
- Dental, vision, and hearing benefits may be reduced
- Extra benefits like gym memberships or meal delivery may be added or removed
- Transportation benefits may change
If you don’t review your plan, you could be paying more for less coverage without even knowing it.
Medicare sends you an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) every September. This letter tells you exactly what’s changing in your plan for the following year. Read this letter carefully. It’s the most important piece of mail you’ll receive all year.
How to Compare and Switch Plans
Step 1: Gather Your Information
Before you start comparing, write down:
Your medications:
- Drug name
- Dosage (like 10mg, 25mg)
- How often you take it (once daily, twice daily)
Your doctors:
- Primary care doctor name
- Any specialists you see regularly
- Your preferred hospital
Your budget:
- How much you can afford for monthly premiums
- How much you can handle in copays
- What’s your maximum you could pay in a worst-case year
Step 2: Use the Medicare Plan Finder
Go to Medicare.gov → click “Find health & drug plans”
- Enter your zip code
- Enter your medications
- Enter your pharmacy
- The tool shows you every plan available in your area ranked by total estimated annual cost
This is the most powerful tool available. It calculates your total cost for each plan — premiums, deductibles, copays for your specific drugs, everything. The plan at the top of the list is usually the cheapest option for your situation.
Step 3: Check Your Doctors
For any plan you’re considering:
- Go to the plan’s website or call the plan
- Search their provider directory to confirm your doctors are in network
- Confirm your preferred hospital is in network
Don’t skip this step. A cheap plan is worthless if your doctor isn’t in it.
Step 4: Check Your Medications
For any plan you’re considering:
- Search the plan’s formulary (covered drug list)
- Make sure ALL your medications are on the formulary
- Check which tier each drug is on — lower tier means lower cost
- Check for any prior authorization or step therapy requirements
Prior authorization means the plan must approve the drug before they’ll pay for it. Step therapy means you must try a cheaper drug first. Both can delay your access to medication.
Step 5: Enroll in the New Plan
Once you’ve found a better plan:
To switch Medicare Advantage plans:
- Go to Medicare.gov and enroll online
- Or call the new plan directly and enroll by phone
- Or call 1-800-MEDICARE for help
To switch Part D plans:
- Same process — Medicare.gov, call the plan, or call 1-800-MEDICARE
To switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare:
- Call your current Medicare Advantage plan and disenroll
- Then enroll in a standalone Part D plan
- Consider buying a Medigap plan — but be aware that after your initial Open Enrollment Period, you may not get guaranteed acceptance
Your old plan is automatically cancelled when your new plan takes effect on January 1. You don’t need to call and cancel separately.
What to Look For in a New Plan
If You’re Comparing Medicare Advantage Plans
Check these things:
- Monthly premium — lower is better, but don’t choose based on premium alone
- Out-of-pocket maximum — this is the most you’d pay in a worst-case year. Lower is better. In 2026, the maximum allowed is $8,850.
- Doctor network — are your doctors in network? Is the network large enough?
- Drug formulary — are your medications covered? At what tier?
- Extra benefits — dental, vision, hearing, gym membership, transportation
- Star rating — Medicare rates plans from 1 to 5 stars. Higher-rated plans generally provide better service and coverage.
- Plan type — HMO (must stay in network, need referrals) vs PPO (can go out of network for higher cost, no referrals needed)
If You’re Comparing Part D Plans
Check these things:
- Monthly premium
- Annual deductible — some plans have $0 deductible
- Your drug costs — use Medicare Plan Finder to see exactly what each drug will cost you under each plan
- Formulary — make sure all your drugs are covered
- Pharmacy network — is your pharmacy preferred? Using a preferred pharmacy saves money.
- Mail order option — 90-day supplies by mail are usually cheaper
If You’re Considering Original Medicare + Medigap
Think about:
- Medicare Advantage vs Medigap — which is right for your situation?
- Can you get a Medigap plan? After your initial Open Enrollment, you may need to pass medical underwriting.
- Total annual cost including Part B premium + Medigap premium + Part D premium
Common Switching Mistakes
Mistake 1: Not Reviewing Your Plan Every Year
This is the biggest mistake. People set it and forget it. Then they wonder why their drug costs doubled. Review your plan every October.
Mistake 2: Choosing Based on Premium Alone
A $0 premium plan with high copays could cost you more than a $50/month plan with low copays. Look at total estimated annual cost, not just the monthly premium.
Mistake 3: Not Checking the Formulary
Your medication might not be on the new plan’s formulary. Or it might be on a higher tier. Always check before you switch.
Mistake 4: Forgetting to Check the Network
Your doctor might not be in the new plan’s network. Always verify before switching.
Mistake 5: Switching to Original Medicare Without Planning
If you switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare, you might want a Medigap plan. But you may not be able to get one after your initial Medigap Open Enrollment Period. In most states, insurance companies can deny you or charge more based on your health.
Some states protect you. California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington have laws giving residents more rights to buy Medigap. Check your state’s rules before switching.
Mistake 6: Missing the Deadline
Open Enrollment ends December 7. Not December 31. Not January 1. December 7. Mark it on your calendar. If you miss it, you’re stuck with your current plan for another year.
Get Free Help Comparing Plans
You don’t have to do this alone. These free resources can help:
SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program): Free, unbiased counselors who help you compare Medicare plans. They don’t sell insurance. They work for you.
- Call 1-877-839-2675
- Visit shiphelp.org
1-800-MEDICARE: Medicare’s official helpline. Available 24/7.
- Call 1-800-633-4227
Medicare.gov Plan Finder: The best online tool for comparing plans based on your specific medications and doctors.
- Visit Medicare.gov
Your State Insurance Department: Can answer questions about Medigap plans and your state’s consumer protections.
A Simple Plan Review Checklist
Every September when you receive your Annual Notice of Change:
- Read the notice carefully
- Check if your premiums are changing
- Check if your copays are changing
- Check if your medications are still covered
- Check if your medications changed tiers
- Check if your doctors are still in network
- Check if any benefits were reduced
If anything changed that affects you:
- Go to Medicare.gov Plan Finder
- Enter your medications and doctors
- Compare your current plan to alternatives
- Switch by December 7 if you find something better
If nothing changed and you’re happy:
- Do nothing. Your plan automatically renews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch plans any time of year? No. You can only switch during Open Enrollment (October 15 to December 7), the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (January 1 to March 31 for MA enrollees only), or during a Special Enrollment Period if you qualify.
How many times can I switch during Open Enrollment? As many times as you want. Only your last change before December 7 takes effect.
Will I lose coverage when I switch? No. Your old plan continues until December 31. Your new plan starts January 1. There is no gap in coverage.
Can I switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare? Yes, during Open Enrollment (October 15 to December 7) or during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (January 1 to March 31).
Do I need to tell my old plan I’m switching? No. When you enroll in a new plan, your old plan is automatically cancelled. You don’t need to call and cancel.
What if I switch and don’t like my new plan? If you switched during the October-December Open Enrollment, you can make another change during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (January 1 to March 31). After that, you’re locked in until the next October.
Does switching plans affect my Medicare Supplement coverage? Medigap plans are separate from Part D and Medicare Advantage. Switching your Part D plan does not affect your Medigap plan. But switching from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage means you’d drop your Medigap plan — and you might not be able to get it back later.
What to Do Right Now
- If it’s between October 15 and December 7, compare plans now at Medicare.gov. Don’t wait until December 6.
- If it’s not Open Enrollment season, make a note on your calendar for October 15 to review your plan.
- When your Annual Notice of Change arrives in September, read it immediately. Don’t throw it away.
- Call SHIP at 1-877-839-2675 if you want free help comparing plans. They’re especially helpful if you’re confused or overwhelmed.
- Keep a list of your medications and doctors updated and handy. You’ll need it every year when comparing plans.
The 15 minutes you spend comparing plans every October could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars next year. Don’t leave money on the table. Review your plan every single year.