People With Medicare

Switching Plans

Most people are allowed to switch plans once a year. But if you receive Extra Help with your Medicare prescription drug costs, you can switch plans as often as once a month.

Most people can switch plans only once a year

Once you are in a drug plan, generally you will not be able to switch. You will be "locked into" your plan until the next open enrollment period. These periods run from November 15 to December 31 each year.

Are there special circumstances when I could switch plans at other times?

Yes. You can switch plans if:

  • you move out of the area your current plan serves or
  • you enter, leave or live in a nursing home or
  • your plan changes and no longer serves your area.
  • you get Extra Help with your Medicare prescription drug costs.

There are other special situations where you might be able to qualify for a "Special Enrollment Period" when you might be able to join or switch plans. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to learn more.

Changing Medicare Advantage Plans:

If you are eligible for a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can join or switch Medicare Advantage Plans from January 1 to March 31 of every year. You can’t add or drop Medicare prescription drug coverage during this time. For instance, if you are in a Medicare Advantage Plan with prescription drug coverage, you could return to the Original Medicare Plan, but you’d have to also join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan at the same time.

How do I join a new plan?

You can join a plan in the following ways:

  • By paper application. Contact the company offering the drug plan you choose and ask for an application. Once you fill out the form, mail or fax it back to the company.
  • On the plan's website. Visit the drug plan company's website. You may be able to join online. (ALERT: If you join using the web, the plan must send you a bill. The plan cannot ask for payment at the time you join online.)
  • On Medicare's website.

For more information, consult your "Medicare & You 2009 Handbook." You can get it online at Medicare Publications or call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227. TTY users, call 1-877-486-2048). Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Or you can call SHIP or your local Area Agency on Aging.

Use Medicare.gov’s Prescription Drug Plan Finder

NEXT: How do I pick a plan?