You can switch plans each year. It’s a good idea to review your Medicare coverage once a year to see if it still meets your needs. If you decide to switch, here’s how.
Counting optional add-ons, there are seven possible combinations of Medicare coverage. As a general rule, you can only switch from one combination to another at certain times of the year.
Making an exception.
There are some exceptions to the general rule that you can change your coverage only at certain times of the year.
In some cases, you will have the right to change your coverage without waiting until the next annual election period.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, for example, and you move out of your plan’s service area, you will have a chance to change your coverage without waiting for the next annual election period.
If your circumstances change, don’t assume you must wait until the next annual election period. Call the Medicare Helpline (1-877-619-5582) and ask about exceptions to the timing rules that might apply to you.
TIP
You can add or drop Medigap coverage at any time. If you change policies, it is best to wait until the new policy is effective before dropping the old policy.
Counting optional add-ons, there are seven possible combinations of Medicare coverage. As a general rule, you can only switch from one combination to another at certain times of the year.
Making an exception.
There are some exceptions to the general rule that you can change your coverage only at certain times of the year.
In some cases, you will have the right to change your coverage without waiting until the next annual election period.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, for example, and you move out of your plan’s service area, you will have a chance to change your coverage without waiting for the next annual election period.
If your circumstances change, don’t assume you must wait until the next annual election period. Call the Medicare Helpline (1-877-619-5582) and ask about exceptions to the timing rules that might apply to you.
TIP
You can add or drop Medigap coverage at any time. If you change policies, it is best to wait until the new policy is effective before dropping the old policy.