Dear Marci,
I recently found a different Medicare Advantage that is a better fit than my current plan. When can I change my coverage this year?
-Diane (Fort Worth, TX)
Dear Diane,
There are a few points in the year when you can change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another. Some of the times and circumstances that might give you the opportunity to change your coverage include:
- The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP). Between January 1 and March 31, folks enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like yourself) can switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan or to Original Medicare with or without a stand-alone Part D plan. If you do decide to make changes to your coverage during this time, they would take effect the first of the month after you make the change.
- If you enrolled using Medicare Plan Finder and you relied on incorrect provider directory information on that tool, you may be eligible for a temporary Special Enrollment Period (SEP). You can use it to change your Medicare Advantage Plan if you enrolled in that plan through Medicare Plan Finder and used the tool’s provider directory information to make the choice. If you realize within three months of the plan’s effective date that your preferred provider is not in the plan’s network, you can use this new SEP.
- Another Special Enrollment Period. There are other SEPs that are triggered by specific coverage or life circumstances. For example, if you move outside your plan’s service area or if your Medicare Advantage Plan stopped working with a large amount of its network providers.
- Your last option is to wait for the Fall Open Enrollment Period to make changes to your coverage for next year. The Fall Open Enrollment Period occurs each year from October 15 through December 7, with your new coverage starting January 1.
To use any of these enrollment periods, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227) to request the change.
Best of luck with any changes you make!
-Marci