Can I switch Medicare plans at any time?

Not generally. Medicare Open Enrollment from October 15 through December 7 allows broad Medicare Advantage and Part D changes. If you are already in Medicare Advantage, the January 1 through March 31 Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period allows one plan change or a return to Original Medicare, with an opportunity to join Part D. Returning to Original Medicare does not by itself guarantee that an insurer will sell you a Medigap policy.

Are there other chances to change plans?

Yes. Special Enrollment Periods may be triggered by events such as moving, losing certain coverage or a declared emergency; the timing and permitted changes depend on the event. Medigap follows separate rules, including a one-time six-month Open Enrollment Period and specific guaranteed-issue situations.

Medicare basics

Enrollment periods and events

Different Medicare enrollment periods apply to Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D and Medigap. Here is what each window lets you do and where separate eligibility rules apply.

AEP

Medicare Open Enrollment

October 15 to December 7

Join, drop or switch a Medicare Advantage plan; move between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare; or join, drop or switch a Part D plan. Changes take effect January 1.

MA OEP

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment

January 1 to March 31

If you are already in Medicare Advantage, make one change to another Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare and, if needed, join a separate Part D plan.

SEP

Special Election Periods

Triggered by a life event

Opened by events such as a move, a disaster, or losing employer coverage. What you can change depends on the event.

Medigap

Medigap Open Enrollment

One-time, six-month period

Starts the first month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. After it ends, an insurer may use medical underwriting unless you have a guaranteed-issue right or another state protection.

Not sure which window applies to you?

Use the private enrollment planner to estimate a standard age-65 window or find the safest official next step for employer coverage, a missed deadline or another event.

Check my likely window

Workshop events

Free Medicare plan workshops

CSG periodically hosts educational workshops in Mohave County. Call or text to ask about the next confirmed date, location and topics.

Ask about the next workshop

Call or text before making plans so our team can confirm the schedule and available seating.

Call or text (928) 263-8500

Seating is limited. Contact us to confirm the next workshop date and location.

What if I missed my Initial Enrollment Period?

If you missed your Initial Enrollment Period and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you can generally sign up for Part B and premium Part A during the General Enrollment Period, January 1 through March 31. Coverage starts the month after you sign up, and a late-enrollment penalty may apply.

Can I switch plans at any time?

You can change Medicare Advantage plans during Medicare Open Enrollment from October 15 through December 7. This applies to joining, switching or dropping Medicare Advantage plans and Part D prescription drug plans. If you are already in Medicare Advantage, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 through March 31 allows one Medicare Advantage plan change, or lets you return to Original Medicare and join a separate Part D plan. Additional Special Enrollment Periods may apply after events such as a move, loss of certain coverage or a declared emergency.

Medigap follows different rules. Its main federal protection is a one-time six-month Open Enrollment Period that starts the first month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. Outside that window, an insurer may use medical underwriting, charge more or deny an application unless you have a guaranteed-issue right or another state protection. Returning to Original Medicare does not, by itself, guarantee Medigap approval. See how the plan types differ before you switch.

Enrollment period questions

What if I missed my Initial Enrollment Period?: If you missed your Initial Enrollment Period and do not qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you can generally sign up for Part B and premium Part A during the General Enrollment Period, January 1 through March 31. Coverage starts the month after you sign up, and a late-enrollment penalty may apply.
Can I switch Medicare plans at any time?: Not generally. Medicare Open Enrollment from October 15 through December 7 allows broad Medicare Advantage and Part D changes. If you are already in Medicare Advantage, the January 1 through March 31 Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period allows one plan change or a return to Original Medicare, with an opportunity to join Part D. Returning to Original Medicare does not by itself guarantee that an insurer will sell you a Medigap policy.
Are there other chances to change plans?: Yes. Special Enrollment Periods may be triggered by events such as moving, losing certain coverage or a declared emergency; the timing and permitted changes depend on the event. Medigap follows separate rules, including a one-time six-month Open Enrollment Period and specific guaranteed-issue situations.

Talk to a licensed Arizona Medicare agent

No separate client fee, no obligation, and no pressure. Tell us how to reach you and we will help you compare plan options from the carriers CSG represents that are available in your ZIP code.

Request My Free Medicare Review (928) 263-8500

Or explore our Medicare FAQs and latest articles.