Medicare Open Enrollment: Understand Your Options

What is Medicare Open Enrollment?

Medicare Open Enrollment runs every year from October 15 through December 7. During this time, people already enrolled in Medicare may be able to switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change Medicare Advantage plans, or join, switch, or drop a Part D drug plan. Changes made during this period generally take effect January 1.

You are not required to make any changes. Many people review their options and decide their current coverage still meets their needs.

How it differs from other enrollment periods

• Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): A 7-month window around your 65th birthday — the 3 months before, your birthday month, and the 3 months after — when you can first sign up for Medicare.
• General Enrollment Period (GEP): January 1 – March 31 each year, for people who missed their Initial Enrollment Period and don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Late enrollment penalties may apply.
• Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Available after certain life events, such as moving, losing other coverage, or leaving employer coverage. Rules and timeframes depend on the situation.
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: January 1 – March 31, for people already in a Medicare Advantage plan, who may make one plan change.

Whether you can make a change depends on your circumstances and the applicable rules.

What to review during Open Enrollment

Your existing coverage

Read your plan's Annual Notice of Change, usually mailed in September. It explains changes to costs, coverage, and networks for next year.

Prescription drug coverage

Check whether your medications are on the plan's formulary for next year, which tier they are on, and whether any restrictions apply.

Provider networks and out-of-pocket costs

Confirm your doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies are still in network. Compare premiums, deductibles, copayments, and the yearly out-of-pocket maximum.

Plan documents and eligibility

Review the Evidence of Coverage and Summary of Benefits. Some plans are only available in certain areas or to people who meet specific requirements.

Verify with official resources

Use the plan finder at Medicare.gov, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048), or contact your local SHIP for free, unbiased counseling.