How to Change Medicare Plans: 6 Coverage Options for AEP

Overview

If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, the Annual Election Period (AEP) is your yearly opportunity to take control of your coverage. From October 15 to December 7, you can review your healthcare needs, explore new plan options, and make adjustments that better fit your budget or health conditions.

Many people assume their current Medicare plan automatically remains the best fit—but costs, provider networks, and prescription formularies can change each year. Knowing how to change Medicare plans can help you avoid unpleasant surprises come January.

Let’s break down the six key changes you can make during the Annual Election Period and how to choose wisely.

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1. Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan

If you’re enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B), you can switch to a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan during AEP. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers approved by Medicare and may include extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and prescription coverage.

Why you might switch:

You want all-in-one coverage (medical + drug + extras).
You prefer a plan with an annual out-of-pocket maximum.
You want to explore lower premiums or extra benefits not offered under Original Medicare.

Before enrolling, learn how to compare Medicare Advantage plans to evaluate coverage, provider networks, and benefits side by side.

2. Switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare

You can also drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare. This may be the right move if:

You want the flexibility to see any doctor who accepts Medicare.
You’re unhappy with your MA plan’s provider network or prior authorization rules.
You want to pair Medicare Parts A and B with a Medigap (Supplemental) plan for predictable out-of-pocket costs.

If you’re exploring this option, visit Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare for a complete step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth transition.

Keep in mind: If you want to add a Part D drug plan to Original Medicare, you’ll need to enroll separately during the same AEP window.

3. Switch from One Medicare Advantage Plan to Another

Not all Medicare Advantage plans are created equal. You can switch from one plan to another—say, from an HMO to a PPO—if your health needs or provider preferences have changed.

Before switching:

Check if your preferred doctors, hospitals, and specialists are in-network.
Compare annual out-of-pocket maximums and copays.
Review each plan’s prescription drug formulary.

You can also see the best Medicare Advantage companies for 2026 to help narrow down your choices.

Feature	Medicare Advantage HMO	Medicare Advantage PPO
Network Type	Must use in-network providers	Can see out-of-network providers (higher cost)
Primary Care Requirement	Usually required	Usually optional
Referrals	Often required for specialists	Not required
Premiums	Usually lower	Often higher

Looking For Medicare Plans with additional benefits in your State?

Compare options HERE & start your health plan journey.

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4. Enroll in a Part D Prescription Drug Plan

If you didn’t previously enroll in a Medicare Part D plan (for prescription coverage), you can do so during the Annual Election Period. Part D plans vary widely in premiums, formularies, and pharmacy networks.

Learn more about what Medicare Part D covers and how it works before enrolling.

Tip: Always check if your current prescriptions are covered under your chosen plan’s formulary list, and compare estimated yearly drug costs.

5. Switch from One Part D Plan to Another

If you already have Part D but notice your drug prices have changed, AEP is your chance to switch to a plan that better suits your prescriptions.

Example: If your plan no longer covers one of your medications or has raised its tier level, it might make sense to switch.

6. Drop a Part D Plan Altogether

Some beneficiaries choose to drop Part D coverage—for example, if they now have creditable drug coverage through another source, such as an employer or veterans’ benefits.

Important: If you go 63 days or more without creditable prescription coverage, you may face a late enrollment penalty if you re-enroll later. Always confirm that your alternate drug coverage meets Medicare’s “creditable” standard. For details, review the official Special Enrollment Periods guide from Medicare.gov.

Understanding Medigap Enrollment Rules

While AEP covers changes to Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) follows its own timeline.

Your best time to buy a Medigap plan is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period—a six-month window that starts when you’re 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. Learn about special Medigap birthday rules that may let you switch plans later without medical underwriting.

During this period:

You have guaranteed issue rights (no medical underwriting).
Insurers cannot deny coverage or charge more based on preexisting conditions.

After this period ends, you can still apply for a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan, but insurers may use medical underwriting—meaning they can deny your application or charge higher premiums based on your health history.

To compare top-rated options, explore the best Medicare Supplement insurance companies.

How to Change Medicare Plans: Step-by-Step

Review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC): Your current plan must send this letter by late September each year.
Compare coverage options: Look at premiums, copays, networks, and drug lists.
Check for preferred providers: Use the plan’s network search tool or call your doctors’ offices.
Confirm prescription coverage: Even minor formulary changes can raise your costs.
Enroll or switch plans: Compare plans online or contact a licensed insurance agent through Healthcare.com for guided help.

FAQs

Can you change Medicare plans after open enrollment?
Usually, no. But exceptions exist—such as the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1–March 31), or if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (like moving or losing other coverage).

How often can you switch Medicare Advantage plans?
You can change once during AEP and again during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period.

Bottom Line

Your health and financial needs evolve, and so should your Medicare coverage. The Annual Election Period (October 15–December 7) is your annual chance to make sure your plan still fits.

Whether you’re exploring new benefits, switching to Original Medicare, or comparing Part D plans, take the time to evaluate all your options. You can compare plans online through Healthcare.com or speak with a licensed insurance agent who can help you find the right fit.

Visit our Medicare by State guide to see which Medicare plans are available in your state.

Get personalized assistance from a Licensed Medicare Agent today.

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