When can I switch Medicare plans?
You can only switch during specific windows. Knowing the dates means you do not get stuck in a plan that does not fit.
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Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
The 7 months around your 65th birthday: 3 months before, your birth month, and 3 months after. This is when most people first enroll.
See our Turning 65 timeline.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
October 15 to December 7 each year. You can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change Part D plans, or change Advantage plans. Changes take effect January 1.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (MA OEP)
January 1 to March 31 each year. If you are already on a Medicare Advantage plan, you get one chance to switch to a different Advantage plan or to Original Medicare with Part D. You cannot switch from Original to Advantage during this window.
Special Enrollment Periods (SEP)
You qualify for a SEP if you have a qualifying life event — moving, losing employer coverage, qualifying for Extra Help, and a few others. These give you a limited window outside the standard enrollment periods.
Medigap Open Enrollment
A one-time 6-month window starting the month you are 65 and enrolled in Part B. During this window, Medicare Supplement carriers cannot deny you or charge more based on health. See our Original vs. Advantage comparison.
Related guides
More plain-language guides from Senior Plan Path.