When and How Can You Change Your Medicare Advantage Plan?

Posted on October 20th, 2026

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Your healthcare needs can change over time. You may want to see a different doctor, reduce your out of pocket expenses, obtain different prescription coverage, or find a plan with benefits that better match your lifestyle.

If you have Medicare Advantage, you may be able to switch to another plan or return to Original Medicare. However, Medicare has specific enrollment periods and eligibility rules that determine when you can make these changes.

Understanding those rules can help you avoid gaps in coverage and make a more informed decision.

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When Can You Change Your Medicare Advantage Plan?

There are several enrollment periods that may allow you to change your Medicare coverage. The right opportunity depends on whether you are new to Medicare, already enrolled in Medicare Advantage, or experiencing a qualifying life event.

1. Annual Enrollment Period: October 15 to December 7

The Annual Enrollment Period is an important opportunity to review your Medicare coverage for the upcoming year.

During this period, eligible beneficiaries can generally:

• Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.

• Move from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage.

• Leave Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare.

• Make permitted changes to prescription drug coverage.

Changes made during this period generally take effect on January 1 of the following year.

This is a good time to compare your current plan against next year's available options, especially if your costs, doctors, prescriptions, or benefits are changing.

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2. Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: January 1 to March 31

This enrollment period is specifically for people who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan at the beginning of the period.

During this time, eligible beneficiaries can generally make one change to another Medicare Advantage plan or leave Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare. If returning to Original Medicare, they can also join a standalone Part D prescription drug plan.

This period does not generally allow someone enrolled in Original Medicare to switch into Medicare Advantage.

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3. Initial Enrollment Period

When you first become eligible for Medicare, you have an Initial Enrollment Period around your 65th birthday, generally spanning seven months.

People who are eligible for Medicare earlier due to qualifying circumstances may have different enrollment timelines.

After first enrolling in Medicare, certain rules may also allow you to make a change during your initial months of coverage.

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4. Special Enrollment Periods

Certain life events may give you an opportunity to change your Medicare coverage outside the usual annual periods.

Examples may include:

• Moving to a new address outside your plan's service area.

• Losing qualifying employer or other health coverage.

• Becoming eligible for Medicaid or qualifying for certain assistance programs.

• Other circumstances recognized by Medicare.

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The available changes and deadlines depend on the specific event. Not every life change creates a Special Enrollment Period, so verify your eligibility before taking action.

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Medicare

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How to Change Your Medicare Advantage Plan

If you are considering a switch, follow these steps.

Step 1: Review Your Current Coverage

Gather your current plan information, including the premium, deductible, copayments, prescription coverage, provider network, and additional benefits.

Identify what works well and what you would like to change.

Step 2: Make a List of Your Healthcare Needs

Write down your doctors, specialists, prescription medications, preferred pharmacies, and anticipated medical needs.

Consider whether you travel frequently or need access to providers outside your local area.

Step 3: Compare Available Plans

Review the plans available in your New Mexico county. Compare the complete costs and coverage rules, rather than focusing only on advertised benefits or monthly premiums.

Check whether your providers participate and whether your medications are covered.

Step 4: Confirm Your Enrollment Eligibility

Before submitting an enrollment request, verify that you are within an applicable enrollment period and meet the plan's eligibility requirements.

If your circumstances are unusual, contact Medicare or a licensed insurance professional for clarification.

Step 5: Confirm Your New Coverage

Follow the insurer's enrollment instructions and keep any confirmation documents. Verify the effective date and understand when your existing coverage will end.

Do not cancel existing coverage independently without confirming how the transition will work.

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What Should You Consider Before Switching?

Changing plans can affect more than your premium. Review these questions before making a decision:

• Will I still be able to see my preferred doctors?

• Are my prescription medications covered?

• Will my copayments or other costs change?

• Do I need referrals to see specialists?

• Are the benefits I rely on included?

• Will my new plan cover healthcare services in the locations where I need them?

• Does switching affect any supplemental coverage I currently have?

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If you are considering returning to Original Medicare and purchasing Medicare Supplement insurance, investigate Medigap eligibility, underwriting, and enrollment protections before making the change. You are not automatically guaranteed the ability to purchase any Medigap policy at the same price or without medical underwriting outside applicable guaranteed issue protections.

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Get Help Reviewing Your Medicare Options

Health Wealth Protect LLC helps New Mexico residents understand Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement insurance, and related coverage choices.

We can help you identify what to compare, understand the questions to ask, and review the next steps for your circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change Medicare Advantage plans whenever I want?

No. Most people can make changes only during applicable enrollment periods, although certain qualifying circumstances may provide additional opportunities.

Can I change plans during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?

If you are already enrolled in Medicare Advantage, you can generally make one permitted change between January 1 and March 31.

Will changing plans affect my prescription coverage?

It can. Prescription formularies, pharmacy networks, and cost sharing vary between plans. Review your medications before switching.

Can I return to Original Medicare?

You can generally do so during an applicable enrollment period. However, if you want Medicare Supplement insurance afterward, separate eligibility and enrollment rules may apply.

Where can I get help changing my Medicare Advantage plan?

You can contact Medicare, the insurer, or a licensed insurance professional who can help you understand your available options.

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Take the Next Step Toward Better Informed Coverage

If you are considering a change to your Medicare Advantage plan, let HWP Insure Me help you understand the options available to you.

Call (505) 417-6565 to schedule your free consultation.