Changing Medicare Plans – When, What, and How

Medicare health and drug plans can change their coverage, cost, and providers each year. It is important to review your plans each year to make sure you are in a plan that covers your needs.

When can I change plans?

• Inital Enrollment Period

  When you first become eligible for Medicare, you can join a plan. make an appointment with a MMAP Counselor to review your options in your situation. We have experience navigating Medicare and saving people money.

• Open Enrollment Period

  From October 15 – December 7 each year, you can join, switch, or drop a plan.
  Your coverage will begin on January 1 (as long as the plan gets your request by December 7). It is important to review your plans each year during Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period to make sure you are in a plan that covers your needs. If you are in a plan that isn’t working for you, make a free appointment with a MMAP Counselor to review your options in your situation. We have experience navigating Medicare and saving people money.

• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

  From January 1 – March 31 each year, if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan or switch to Original Medicare (and join a separate Medicare drug plan) once during this time. Make a free appointment with a MMAP Counselor to review your options in your situation. We have experience navigating Medicare and saving people money.

What to consider when changing plans?

• For Health and Drug Plans:

  • Does the plan cover my medications? If not, will it cover another medication that will work for you?
  • What are the costs for the plan? Be sure to consider not just the monthly premium, but the copayments and deductible as well.
  • Does my pharmacy participate in the plan?
  • Does the plan have restrictions, such as prior authorization, for my drugs?

• For Health Plans:

  • Do my doctors and other medical providers take the plan?
  • How does the plan cover me if I travel?
  • What are the costs for the medical services I currently use? Look at all services, i.e. doctor’s visits, medical equipment, and physical therapy
  • Does the plan have extra benefits, i.e. dental, hearing, vision, transportation, gym membership?

How do I change my plan?

• Enroll on medicare.gov OR on the plan's website.

• Complete a paper enrollment from.

• Call the plan.

• Call for a MMAP Counselor 1-800-MEDICARE

  This number will get you in touch with your regional coordinator and volunteers.