Medicare plans can change each year—and so can your healthcare needs. The Medicare Open Enrollment Period which occurs each year from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, gives you the chance to review and make changes to your current Medicare coverage.
Here’s some facts to help you prepare for Medicare Open Enrollment and get the most out of your Medicare coverage in the 2025.
Key Takeaways
- If you’re already enrolled in Medicare, you can make changes to your plan during open enrollment.
- Medicare Open Enrollment for 2025 runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, 2024.
- Changes you make during open enrollment go into effect on Jan. 1, 2025.
When is the Medicare Open Enrollment Period?
Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period, known as the “Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan annual election period,” “annual enrollment period” or “AEP,” takes place each year from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. This is the primary time when people can choose or change their Medicare coverage. Accepted coverage changes go into effect on Jan. 1 of the following year.
There are other times during the year when a person can enroll in a plan, such as the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment, held each year from Jan. 1 through March 31, or Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs). Those are explained in more detail below.
What can you do during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period?
People already enrolled in Medicare can make changes to their Medicare plan coverage , including:
- Switching from Original Medicare to a Medicare advance plan(or vice versa)
- Switching to a Medicare Advantage plan with or without prescription drug coverage
- Switching from 1 Medicare Advantage plan to another
- Joining, switching or leaving a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
- Switching to a new private insurer
Important Medicare enrollment dates to mark on your calendar
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Dates
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Oct 15–Dec 7
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Jan 1
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Jan 1–Mar 1
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Details
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Medicare Open Enrollment
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Medicare changes take effect
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Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (extra time for Medicare Advantage plan members to switch or drop their MA plan)
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What if I miss the annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period?
If you miss open enrollment, you’ll most likely be automatically re-enrolled in your plan if it’s still offered in your area. You’ll keep the same plan the following year as long as you continue paying any required premiums.
However, there are a few circumstances where you can change your plan outside of open enrollment. These circumstances include:
- Special Enrollment Period (SEP) — Generally, you can join or switch to another plan when certain events happen in your life, such as moving or losing other insurance coverage.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period—If you already have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can enroll in a different Medicare Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare between Jan. 1 and March 31.
- 5 Star Special Enrollment Period—If a Medicare plan with a 5-star rating is available in your area, you can switch from your current Medicare plan to a Medicare plan with a “5-star” quality rating. There are limitations on when you can use this enrollment period.
