You're Already on Medicare.
Here's When You Can Make Changes.
You're not locked in forever — but you can't switch plans just any time. There are specific windows each year when Medicare lets you make changes. Here's exactly what they are and what you can do during each one.
Good News: You Have Options
Being on Medicare doesn't mean you're stuck. Plans change their costs and benefits every year — and your health needs change too. Medicare builds in protected periods when you can review your situation and make a move if something better is available.
Not sure if your current plan is still the right fit? Call Bryan at 281-254-0139 — a free plan review takes about 15 minutes and costs you nothing.
Your Enrollment Windows
These are the times of year Medicare opens the door for changes. Each one has different rules depending on the type of plan you have.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
This is the main window — and the most important one. During AEP, anyone on Medicare can review their current plan and make changes. Changes take effect January 1 of the following year.
What you can do: Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another. Switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare. Add, drop, or switch a Part D drug plan. This is the time to make sure your doctors, prescriptions, and costs still work for the coming year.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP)
If you're currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you get a second chance each year to make one change during this window. Changes take effect the first day of the following month.
What you can do: Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan. Or drop your Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare (with the option to add a Part D drug plan). You get one change — use it wisely.
Note: This window does not apply if you have a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan with Original Medicare.
5-Star Special Enrollment Period
If there is a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan in your area that has earned a 5-star rating from Medicare, you're allowed to switch to it once per year during this window — outside of normal enrollment periods.
What you can do: Make one plan switch to a 5-star rated plan. Not all areas have 5-star plans available every year. Bryan can check your ZIP code and let you know if this applies to you.
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)
Certain life events give you the right to make changes outside of the normal enrollment windows. These are triggered automatically when qualifying events occur.
Events that trigger a SEP include: Moving to a new address outside your plan's service area. Your current plan leaving Medicare or reducing its service area. Qualifying for Medicaid or Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy). Moving into or out of a long-term care facility. Losing other insurance coverage you had alongside Medicare.
SEP windows are typically 60–90 days from the triggering event. If something in your life has changed, call Bryan — you may have more flexibility than you think.
Signs It May Be Time for a Review
Your plan was right when you chose it. But things change — for you and for the plan. Watch for these.
Your premium or copays went upPlans adjust their costs every year. You may be able to get the same or better coverage for less.
Your drug isn't covered anymoreFormularies (drug lists) change annually. If a medication you need was dropped, it's time to look at other Part D options.
You moved to a new areaMedicare Advantage plans are regional. Moving — even across town — can affect your coverage and may trigger a SEP.
Your doctor left your networkIf a preferred provider left your plan's network, you may be paying out-of-pocket more than you should be.
Your health needs have changedA new diagnosis, new medications, or upcoming procedures may mean a different plan would cover you better.
You haven't reviewed your plan in over a yearPlans change their benefits every January. If you haven't compared recently, you may be leaving money on the table.
What You Can Change Depends on Your Plan
Your options during each window depend on what type of Medicare coverage you currently have.
If You Have a Medicare Advantage Plan
- Switch to a different Advantage plan during AEP or MA OEP
- Return to Original Medicare during AEP or MA OEP
- Add or change a Part D drug plan during AEP
- Switch plans if a qualifying life event triggers a SEP
- Switch to a 5-star plan if one is available in your area
🏙️ Already on Advantage? A Hospital Indemnity plan can cover the daily copays your MAPD leaves behind — often for less than $50/month.
If You Have Original Medicare + Medigap
- Switch your Part D drug plan during AEP (Oct 15 – Dec 7)
- Switch to a Medicare Advantage plan during AEP
- Change your Medigap plan — but underwriting may apply (insurers can review your health history outside of guaranteed issue periods)
- Call Bryan first — switching from Medigap has rules worth understanding before you move
Not Sure If Your Current Plan Is Still the Best Fit?
Bryan reviews Medicare plans every day. A free 15-minute call is all it takes to find out if you're in the right plan — or if something better is available in your area.
Free, no obligation, no pressure. He works for you — not the insurance companies.