Choosing the right Medicare plan is essential to ensuring you receive the best healthcare coverage for your needs. If you’re currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you have an opportunity to make changes during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, which runs from January 1 to March 31 each year.
This allows beneficiaries to switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare if their current plan no longer meets their needs.
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Advantage plans
Knowing the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage is key when considering your options.
- Original Medicare includes Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance).
- Beneficiaries can also add Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) as a separate plan.
- Medicare Advantage (Part C) is offered by private companies and bundles Parts A, B, and often Part D, sometimes including extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing coverage.
Open Enrollment
If you’re currently in a Medicare Advantage plan, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period gives you the flexibility to:
- switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan
- return to Original Medicare, with the option to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
However, this enrollment period is only for individuals already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. If you have Original Medicare, you cannot switch to a Medicare Advantage plan during this time—you must wait for the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7.
How to prepare
Before making any changes, take the time to evaluate your current Medicare Advantage plan. Consider the following key factors:
- provider network – are your preferred doctors, specialists, and hospitals still covered?
- prescription drug coverage – are your medications still included in the plan’s formulary?
- costs – are you satisfied with your premiums, copays, and deductibles?
- additional benefits – does your plan offer dental, vision, hearing, or wellness programs that are important to you?
If you decide to make a change, you have until March 31 to do so. Any updates you make will take effect for the rest of the year.
changes
If you’re ready to switch plans or return to Original Medicare, you can:
- visit Medicare.gov to compare plan options
- call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for assistance
- contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free, personalized help
By taking the time to review your Medicare Advantage plan, you can ensure that your healthcare coverage aligns with your needs for 2025.
FAQs
When is Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment?
It runs from January 1 to March 31 each year.
Can I switch to Medicare Advantage during this period?
No, this period only allows changes for those already in a Medicare Advantage plan.
What changes can I make?
You can switch Medicare Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare.
Do changes take effect immediately?
Changes made during this period will apply for the rest of the year.
Where can I get help choosing a plan?
Visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE for assistance.
