When can I join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan? You can only join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan during the enrollment periods below: Initial Enrollment Period-When you first become eligible for Medicare, you can sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period. This is the 7-month period that begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65 If you sign up during the first 3 months of your Initial Enrollment Period, in most cases, your cover- age starts the first day of your birthday month. However, if your birthday is on the first day of the month, your coverage will start the first day of the prior month. If you enroll the month you turn 65 or during the last 3 months of your Initial Enrollment Period, your start date for coverage will be delayed. General Enrollment Period- If you have Part A coverage and you get Part B for the first time during the General Enrollment Period (between January 1- March 31 each year), you can also join a Medicare Advantage Plan at that time. Your coverage may not start until July 1 Annual Election Period- Between October 15-December 7, anyone with Medicare can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan. Your coverage will begin on January 1, as long as the plan gets your request by December 7
Can I make changes to my coverage after December 7 Between January 1-March 31 each year, you can make these changes during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: If you're in a Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage), you can switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) During this period, you can't: Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan Join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan if you're in Original Medicare Switch from one Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to another if you're in Original Medicare You can only make one change during this period, and any changes you make will be effec - tive the first of the month after the plan gets your request. If you're returning to Original Medicare and joining a drug plan, you don't need to contact your Medicare Advantage Plan to enroll. The dis-enrollment will happen auto- matically when you join the drug plan. Note: If you enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan during your Initial Enrollment Period, you can change to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) or go back to Original Medicare (with or without a drug plan) within the first 3 months you have Medicare.
What if I have a pre-existing condition? You can join a Medicare Advan- tage Plan even if you have a pre-existing condition. See "Can I join A Medicare Advantage Plan if I have End-Stage Renal Disease Medicare Advantage Plan? Not all Medicare Advantage Plans work the same way. Before you join, you can find and compare Medicare health plans in your area by visiting: (ESRD)?" on page 14. How can I join a Medicare.gov/plan-compare. Once you understand the plan's rules and costs, use one of the links on the last page for a quote. Note: In certain situations ( like if you move), you may be able to join, switch, or drop a plan at other times.
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