Enrollment and eligibility
How to sign up and apply for MedicareIf you already have a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan and want to switch coverage, you have 2 enrollment periods each year to make the change.
Let’s explore your options for switching Medicare Advantage plans.
Key points
- You can make changes to your plan each year during Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period and the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period.
- The only time you can change your Medicare Advantage plan outside of the usual enrollment periods is if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
When can I change my Medicare Advantage plan?
All Medicare members have 2 enrollment periods each year to make changes to their existing Medicare plan:1
Medicare Open Enrollment Period—Oct. 15–Dec. 7
The Medicare Open Enrollment Period, also known as Annual Election Period (AEP), takes place each year from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.
During this time, you can:
- Switch from 1 MA plan to another MA plan
- Change from an MA plan back to Original Medicare
- Switch from Original Medicare to an MA plan
Note: All changes made during the Open Enrollment Period start Jan. 1 the following year.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period—Jan. 1–March 31
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) is another chance to enroll in a new MA plan or go back to Original Medicare. However, you can only make 1 change within this period.
During this time, you can:
- Switch from an MA plan without drug coverage to an MA plan with drug coverage
- Switch from an MA plan with drug coverage to an MA plan without drug coverage
- Switch from an MA plan back to Original Medicare, with the option to join a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D)
Note: All changes made during MA OEP start the first day of the following month after the request is received.
Explore Humana Medicare Advantage plans
Humana Medicare plans offer benefits beyond what Original Medicare covers. Explore all the plans available in your area today!
Can I switch my Medicare Advantage plan at any time?
No. If you want to switch your MA plan outside of the usual Medicare enrollment periods, you must qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
Special Enrollment Period
A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is your chance to make changes to your MA plan when certain events happen in your life.
Qualifying life events can include:
- Losing your existing coverage
- Moving
- Your Medicare plan changing
- Ability to get other healthcare coverage
- Your eligibility changing
The length of your SEP can vary based on your qualifying life event. Generally, your SEP will last 2–3 months, depending on when the qualifying event happens.
Note: If you enrolled in a MA plan during your Initial Coverage Election Period (IEP), when you first became eligible for Medicare, you can change to another MA plan or go back to Original Medicare within the first 3 months after you enrolled.
Choose the best Medicare Advantage plan for you
Everyone has different health needs. If you’re thinking about switching your MA plan, take some time to research and compare Medicare Advantage plans to find the best 1 for your needs.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. You can make this switch during Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period and the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period.
You only have certain times throughout the year to change your Part D plan. For more info, check out how to change your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
No. If you’re enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or an MA plan, your plan will renew automatically. Check out these details about renewing Medicare each year to learn more.
Humana answers your Medicare questions
Medicare costs
How much do Medicare Parts A, B, C and D cost?
Enrollment and eligibility
How to avoid Medicare late enrollment penaltiesSources:
- “
Joining a plan ,” Medicare.gov, last accessed April 24, 2024.