The Medicare open enrollment period happens each fall from October 15th through December 7th. During this time, anyone who currently has Medicare can make changes to their coverage for the upcoming year, which can include making the switch to a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan.
As this enrollment period approaches, it is a good idea to compare your current coverage with other options to see if you are able to save money or gain extra benefits with another plan. In general, it is important to review your Medicare health and drug coverage every year to make sure it still meets your needs over time. To explore your Medicare coverage options, use Medicare’s Plan Finder or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
After comparing your options and choosing a plan you want, you can reach out to the plan to begin the enrollment process.
To contact your plan of choice, you can:
- Visit the plan’s website to see if you can join online
- Call the plan you want to join
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227); TTY: 1-877-486-2048
- Fill out a paper enrollment form to send by mail
To be eligible to switch to an MA plan, you must meet certain requirements, such as having Medicare Part A and Part B, and living in the plan’s service area. In order to be a member of an MA plan, you must provide the necessary information to the plan, follow the plan’s rules, and only belong to one plan at a time.
To learn more about Medicare Advantage plans and how they compare to original Medicare, visit our Understanding Medicare page.
