People With Medicare

When can I switch my Medicare plan for 2013?

The Open Enrollment period for Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage is from October 15 until December 7.

There is no need to cancel your old plan. When you join a new Medicare plan, your coverage will be switched automatically on January 1. You can only be in one plan at a time.

Special circumstances:

In special circumstances, Medicare may give you another opportunity to switch to a different plan - even after the December 7 deadline.

These are examples:

  • If you permanently move out of your plan's service area OR
  • If you get extra help paying for prescription drugs OR
  • If the plan stops offering prescription drug coverage OR
  • If you enter, live in, or leave a nursing home.

Leaving a Medicare Advantage Plan:

If you joined a Medicare Advantage Plan, and you decide you want to leave, you can get out of this plan from January 1 to February 14. You cannot use this time to switch to another Medicare Advantage plan, but you can return to Original Medicare. You can also decide if you want to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan at this time.

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Information on this web site was compiled from approved materials of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.