Change Your Medicare Plan

Medicare changes aren’t limited to one time of year 

Life changes, and your Medicare coverage might need to as well. Whether you're adjusting your current plan, switching from a Medicare Advantage plan Part C or adding a Part D plan for prescription drug coverage, there are specific windows when you can make updates. 

Missing these periods may result in an enrollment penalty or a delay in when your coverage starts. Here’s what to know about the most common opportunities to change your Medicare plan. 

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7 

During the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, you can make changes to your current coverage if you already have Medicare. From October 15 to December 7, you can: 

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan 
• Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another 
• Drop or join a prescription drug plan Part D 
• Make other changes to your prescription drug coverage 

Any changes made during this time take effect on January 1 of the following year. 

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP): January 1 – March 31 

If you are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can use the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period to make a one-time change between January 1 and March 31. You may: 

• Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan Part C 
• Leave Medicare Advantage and go back to Part A and Part B 
• Join a Part D prescription drug plan if returning to Original Medicare 

This period is only available to those already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. 

Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Changes based on life events 

You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period SEP if you’ve experienced a life event that impacts your current coverage. This allows you to change your plan outside of the standard windows without facing an enrollment penalty. Common qualifying events include: 

• Moving out of your plan’s service area 
• Losing other health coverage 
• Gaining eligibility for a Special Needs Plan 
• Changes in your Medicaid or Extra Help status 

If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program to find out. 

Can you end your Medicare coverage? 

Yes—but there are important considerations. If you decide to end your Medicare coverage, you may need to meet with a Social Security representative and complete specific paperwork. Before making this decision, be aware: 

• You may lose benefits or experience a gap in coverage 
• Re-enrollment later can result in late enrollment penalties 
• Always review your situation with a qualified expert before making changes 

Need help with Medicare enrollment changes? 

If you want to switch from a Medicare Advantage plan, update your prescription drug plan, or have questions about the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period MA OEP, Banner Health can help. 

Learn more about Banner Health’s Medicare Advantage plans. 

Call 833-516-1007 (TTY 711) to speak with a licensed sales agent: 

• October 1 – March 31: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., 7 days a week 
• April 1 – September 30: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Monday through Friday