As we move through life, our circumstances and healthcare needs inevitably change. Maybe you’ve started new prescriptions, moved to a different state, or found that your current doctor is no longer in your Medicare plan’s network. Life circumstances like these may lead you to reconsider your current coverage, but of course, you don’t want to make any changes that leave you without insurance. That’s why understanding Medicare Enrollment Periods is so important.
Below, we’ll break down the different Medicare Enrollment Periods and provide clear guidance to help you switch plans confidently — without worrying about gaps in your healthcare coverage.
When Can You Change Your Medicare Coverage?
There are several specific times during the year when Medicare allows you to make changes to your coverage. Each period has its own purpose and rules, so understanding them can help you plan ahead and make a smooth transition.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
Also known as the Open Enrollment Period, this timeframe takes place every year from October 15 to December 7.
During this time, you can:
- Switch from Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to a Medicare Advantage plan.
- Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
- Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
Any changes you make during the Annual Enrollment Period take effect on January 1 of the following year.
The AEP is the best time to review your current coverage, compare costs, and decide if a new plan would better meet your medical or financial needs.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
If you already have a Medicare Advantage plan, you have another opportunity to make changes between January 1 and March 31. During this window, you can:
- Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan (with or without drug coverage), or
- Drop your Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare (with the option to join a Part D plan).
This period is particularly useful if you enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan during the fall and later realized it’s not a good fit.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
Sometimes, life changes can make you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. Unlike the other enrollment periods, SEPs are triggered by qualifying events such as:
- Moving to a new address that isn’t in your plan’s service area.
- Losing other health coverage (such as employer-sponsored insurance).
- Becoming eligible for Medicaid.
- Moving into or out of a nursing home or long-term care facility.
The timing and length of your SEP depend on the qualifying event, but generally, you have two months from the date of the change to make updates to your Medicare coverage.
Acting promptly ensures your new plan starts as soon as your old one ends, minimizing or eliminating any potential gap.
Tips for Avoiding Gaps in Coverage When Switching Medicare Plans
With some planning and the right guidance, you can avoid any lapse in health insurance protection. Here are a few practical tips to get you started
- Plan Ahead: Start reviewing your options before your enrollment period begins. This gives you time to compare plans, understand the costs, and confirm which doctors and prescriptions are covered.
- Don’t Cancel Your Current Plan Too Early: Always wait until your new coverage is confirmed before ending your existing plan. If you disenroll from your old plan prematurely, you might end up temporarily uninsured.
- Double-Check Start Dates: When switching plans, confirm the effective date of your new policy. Medicare plan changes made during enrollment periods typically start on the first day of the following month — or on January 1 if changed during the Annual Enrollment Period.
- Work With a Licensed Insurance Agent: An experienced Medicare agent from Core Value Insurance Group can help ensure that your new coverage begins right as your old plan ends. They can also walk you through all available options based on your medical needs and budget.
What to Do If You Enrolled in the Wrong Medicare Plan
Mistakes happen. Maybe you realized after enrolling that your plan doesn’t cover a prescription you need, or your preferred doctor isn’t in the network. The good news is that you have options.
If you joined a Medicare Advantage plan and aren’t satisfied, you can use the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1-March 31) to switch to a different plan or return to Original Medicare.
If your issue is with a Part D prescription drug plan, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to switch plans — for instance, if your prescription changes or your plan terminates its contract with Medicare.
In cases where you miss these windows, reach out to a licensed agent to see if any exceptions apply to your situation. Acting quickly is key to maintaining continuous coverage.
How to Switch Medicare Plans With Pre-Existing Conditions
Many people worry that changing Medicare plans could impact their coverage if they have a pre-existing condition — but rest assured, Medicare offers strong protections.
Under federal law, Medicare Advantage plans cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums because of pre-existing conditions. So, if you’re switching from one Advantage plan to another, your pre-existing conditions remain covered.
If you’re returning to Original Medicare, you may need to consider Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) for additional coverage. Some states have guaranteed-issue rights that allow you to buy Medigap without medical underwriting when switching, while others may require a health review.
Working with an agent familiar with your state’s specific rules ensures you don’t lose valuable benefits during your transition.
How We Can Help You Switch Medicare Plans With Confidence
At Core Value Insurance Group, we understand how overwhelming it can feel to navigate Medicare rules and deadlines on your own. Our licensed insurance agents are here to make the process simple and stress-free by helping you find a Medicare plan that fits your lifestyle and budget, determining your enrollment period, and guiding you through the enrollment process.
With our team by your side, switching Medicare plans doesn’t have to be complicated or risky. You can simply feel confident that your healthcare coverage will remain uninterrupted.
Contact Core Value Insurance Group today to speak with a live agent who can help you make a smooth transition to a new plan.
