When and How to Switch Medicare Plans:

Your Enrollment Guide

Introduction

Switching a Medicare plan isn’t simply going in and picking another—it involves timing, rules, and sometimes limitations. Whether you’re on a Medicare Advantage plan and want to change, or you’re considering moving from Original Medicare + Medigap, it’s important to know the windows when changes are allowed. In this guide we’ll cover:

• The key enrollment periods you need to know

• Special enrollment rules triggered by life events

• Steps to switch safely without coverage gaps

• What to watch out for when changing plans

• How I help you through this process at Gray Owl Health Insurance Agency

The Main Enrollment Periods You Should Know

1. Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

• Runs October 15 → December 7 each year.

• During AEP you can:

  • Join, drop, or switch a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) or return to Original Medicare.

  • Join, switch, or drop a Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D).

  • If you do make a change by December 7, your new coverage will typically begin January 1 of the following year.

2. Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA-OEP)

• Runs January 1 → March 31 each year.

• Only for those already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, during which you can either:

  • Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan (with or without drug coverage)

  • Drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare (and possibly add Part D).

• Coverage starts on the first of the month following the plan’s acceptance of your request.

3. Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)

• These arise when qualifying life events happen (moving, losing employer coverage, Medicaid changes, etc.).

• The exact window and permitted changes depend on the event. For example: if you move out of a plan’s service area, you may have 2 months from the move.

• Important: SEPs are not automatic—you must verify your eligibility.

Steps to Switch Safely Without Gaps

1. Review your existing plan: Look at premiums, network, benefits, drug coverage, and how the plan has changed (or may change).

2. Compare your new options: Don’t just look at premiums—check total cost, provider access, and prescription drug coverage.

3. Make sure you qualify for the switch: Are you within AEP, MA-OEP or do you have a SEP?

4. Submit the enrollment/change request properly: Work with a licensed agent or directly with the plan to ensure all paperwork is completed.

5. Confirm your effective date: Know when the new plan begins and when your old plan ends. Avoid a gap in coverage.

6. Don’t cancel your current plan before the new one is confirmed, especially if switching from Advantage to Original + Medigap—there might be underwriting or loss of guaranteed issue rights.

Watch-Outs & Common Mistakes

• Assuming you can switch at any time. Outside of AEP, MA-OEP or a true SEP, you may not be able to make changes until the next allowed period.

• Not checking whether you’ll qualify for Medigap if you switch back to Original Medicare (after being in Advantage). Underwriting may apply.

• Overlooking the effective start date—you might end up with a gap in coverage or paying for a plan you’re not using.

• Ignoring drug plan changes—when you switch health plans, your Part D or drug-coverage may need updating.

• Not re-evaluating each year. Even if you don’t want to change plans now, the plan might change (network, coverage, costs) so it’s good to revisit annually.

How I Help You at Gray Owl Health Insurance Agency

When we work together, I’ll:

• Map the plans available in your county, including changes year-to-year.

• Highlight whether you’re within a safe window for switching and what your options are.

• Give you a clear comparison of: current plan vs potential new plan—costs, benefits, networks, out-of-pocket risk.

• Assist in submitting the request correctly and tracking the effective date.

• Follow up after change-over to ensure your coverage is working as expected.

If you think your situation might allow a change—or you just want to know what your options are—schedule your free consultation today. No pressure, just honest advice based on your needs.