When can I cancel or switch my Medicare advantage plan?
In most cases, you are enrolled in a Medicare advantage plan for a year. Before the new year begins, your provider will have to inform you in case there will be any changes to your plan policy in the coming year in regard to the service area, benefits or costs.
If you decide to cancel your policy, or switch to a different advantage plan, you can only do so during specific time periods set by Medicare. You can switch or drop your Medicare advantage (MA) plan:
- During the Open Enrollment period each year, also called Annual Election period or AEP, from October 15th through December 7th, you may switch or cancel your MA plan. The change will be effective January 1st, and after that date the first day of the month you signed up.
- If a 5-star rated Medicare Advantage plan is available to you, you may switch from your current Medicare plan to the 5-star-rated plan once a year.
In certain situations, you may be able to switch or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan at other times (called Special Election Period or SEP). Here are some examples:
- If you move out of your plan’s service area
- If your plan stops providing coverage in your area
- If you have both Medicare and Medicaid
- If you qualify for Extra Help to pay for your prescription drug costs
- If you live in an institution (e.g. nursing home)
- If your plan drops benefits or a medical professional who is treating you left the plan
In case you want to cancel your current plan without enrolling in another advantage plan, you must send a written cancellation request to the plan provider or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
