Medicare Help
Changing Your Medicare Coverage
Your health, doctors, and budget can change — and so can plans. Here's when you can make changes and how to decide if switching makes sense.
In short
Most changes happen during set enrollment periods. The biggest is the Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 – December 7, with new coverage starting January 1. Certain life events can also open a Special Enrollment Period.
When you can make changes
| Period | Dates | What you can generally do |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Enrollment Period | Oct 15 – Dec 7 | Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change Medicare Advantage plans, or join, switch, or drop a Part D plan. |
| Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment | Jan 1 – Mar 31 | If you're in a Medicare Advantage plan, switch to another one or return to Original Medicare (and join a Part D plan). One change allowed. |
| Special Enrollment Periods | Varies | Available after certain events, such as moving, losing other coverage, or qualifying for Extra Help or Medicaid. |
Signs it may be time to review
- Your Annual Notice of Change shows higher costs or benefit changes
- A doctor or hospital you use left your plan's network
- You started a new medication or your drug costs went up
- You moved, or you're spending more time outside Arizona
- Your Medigap premium has increased and you want to compare
Switching Medicare Supplement plans
You can apply for a different Medigap policy at any time, but outside of guaranteed-issue situations, companies may review your health history and could decline your application or charge more. Don't cancel your current policy until the new one is approved.
Moving to or within Arizona
If you move to a new address outside your plan's service area — including moving to the Phoenix area from another state — you'll usually get a Special Enrollment Period to choose a new plan. Plan options vary by county and ZIP code.
How I can help
I'll review your current plan against your doctors, prescriptions, and budget, and compare it with other options available from the companies I represent. Sometimes the best answer is to stay put — and I'll tell you that, too.
Common questions
Will I lose coverage while switching plans?
When you switch Medicare Advantage or Part D plans during an enrollment period, you're generally disenrolled from your old plan when the new one starts. With Medigap, keep your current policy until your new one is approved.
This page is general educational information, not personal advice. Medicare rules, costs, and plan options change and depend on your situation. For official information, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048).
Have questions? Let's talk them through.
A no-cost, no-obligation conversation with a licensed local agent. Bring your questions — we'll go at your pace.