If your Medicare Advantage plan isn't meeting your needs — whether the premium went up, your doctor left the network, or you found a plan with better benefits — the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is your opportunity to switch. Here's a step-by-step guide.
When Can You Switch?
The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 – December 7 each year. During this window, you can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare. Coverage for any change takes effect January 1.
You can also make a one-time switch between January 1 and March 31 during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period.
Step 1: Review Your Current Plan's Annual Notice of Change
Every fall, your plan mails you an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) that lists all changes to your plan for the coming year. Review it carefully for changes to:
- Monthly premium
- Deductibles and copays
- Covered benefits (dental, vision, OTC, etc.)
- Drug formulary (list of covered medications)
- Provider network
Step 2: Compare Plans in Your Area
Use the Annual Enrollment Period to compare all Medicare Advantage plans available in your county. Key factors to compare:
- Monthly premium (many plans are $0)
- Annual out-of-pocket maximum
- Extra benefits (dental, vision, OTC card, transportation)
- Prescription drug coverage and your specific medications
- In-network doctors and hospitals
- Plan star rating (Medicare rates plans 1–5 stars)
Step 3: Confirm Your Doctors Are In-Network
Before enrolling, always verify that your primary care doctor and any specialists you see regularly accept the new plan. You can check on the plan's website or call the plan directly.
Step 4: Enroll in Your New Plan
You can enroll in a new Medicare Advantage plan by:
- Calling the plan directly
- Using Medicare.gov's plan finder tool
- Working with a licensed Medicare agent (free service)
When you enroll in a new plan, your old plan is automatically cancelled — you don't need to cancel it separately.
Step 5: Confirm Your New Coverage
After enrolling, you'll receive confirmation and a new insurance card. Your new coverage begins January 1. Keep your old plan's card until then.