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Medicare open enrollment: dates, deadlines, and what you can change

Medicare open enrollment (officially the Annual Election Period) runs from October 15 to December 7 every year. During it you can switch Medicare Advantage plans, move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, and join, drop, or change a Part D drug plan. Changes take effect January 1. If you miss it, Medicare Advantage members get one more window (January 1 – March 31) to switch or leave their plan; otherwise you generally wait a year unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Why this year's letter matters

Your plan's Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), mailed in September, tells you exactly what will change on January 1. Deciding whether to shop starts with reading it — premiums, drug tiers, and networks change every year, and the plan that was best for you two years ago often isn't now.

How to compare plans without a salesperson

Use the official comparison tool at medicare.gov/plan-compare — enter your drugs and pharmacies and it prices each plan for your actual situation. Free, unbiased, one-on-one help: your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (in Florida, SHINE at 1-800-963-5337).

Do it in 60 seconds: Not sure what your plan is changing? Paste the notice into Medicare Decoder — it explains every change in plain words, free.
Open Medicare Decoder — free →

Common questions

Can I change plans outside October 15 – December 7?

Medicare Advantage members can make one change January 1 – March 31. Outside that, you need a Special Enrollment Period (moving, losing coverage, plan leaving your area, and similar events).

Does switching plans cost anything?

No. There is no fee to switch, and coverage under the new plan starts January 1 with no gap.

Will my doctor stay in network?

Networks change each year. Check the new plan's provider directory or call the doctor's billing office before you switch — and check your ANOC to see if your current plan is dropping them.

Sources: Medicare.gov — Joining, switching, and dropping plans · CMS — Annual Election Period. This guide is general information, not legal, financial, or medical advice.