Medicare Open Enrollment 2024-2025: What You Need to Know
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Medicare open enrollment is the period from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 when people already enrolled in Medicare can make changes to their coverage. Understanding Medicare open enrollment can help you get the most out of your Medicare or Medicare Advantage coverage in 2025.
— Medicare open enrollment runs from Oct. 15 thru Dec. 7. — You can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or vice versa. — You can also compare your Part D prescription drug plan coverage to other options.
When is Medicare open enrollment?
Medicare open enrollment happens every fall from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Changes you make during this time will take effect on Jan. 1 of the following year.
Mark your calendar
What can you do during Medicare open enrollment?
You can do the following during the Medicare open enrollment period:
Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or vice versa.
Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to a different Medicare Advantage plan.
Change from a Medicare Advantage plan without drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage, or vice versa.
Enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan.
Jump from one Medicare drug plan to a different Medicare drug plan.
Quit your Medicare prescription drug coverage.
If you return to Original Medicare during this annual enrollment period and you want Medicare Supplement Insurance, also known as Medigap, you may pay more than you expected for a supplement policy, or you may be denied coverage.
(Starting the first month you have Medicare Part B, you have six months in which you can buy any Medigap policy available in your area, regardless of your health situation. After that, with the exception of four states, Medigap companies may require a medical exam and either charge you more or deny you a policy if your health is a concern.)
Medicare will have big changes in 2025. Compare Medicare Advantage plans
What can’t you do during Medicare open enrollment?
If you aren’t enrolled in Medicare, you can’t sign up for it during this period because Medicare open enrollment is specifically for people who are already enrolled in Medicare. If you qualify for it, you’ll need to sign up for Medicare during your initial enrollment period, during Medicare’s general enrollment period, or during a special enrollment period.
💬 From our Nerds: What if I just want to keep my current coverage?
“Medicare Advantage plans can change year to year, from the doctors who are in-network to the cost of your prescription drugs, so it’s a good idea to do some comparisons to make sure you’re still in the right plan for you.
"If you have Original Medicare, Part D plans can also change — and they likely will this year to adjust to new government regulations. Plug your prescription drugs into a plan comparison tool to make sure you’re not missing out on better coverage.”
— Kate Ashford, lead writer covering Medicare
What's available during Medicare open enrollment?
During this annual enrollment period, you can select coverage options that may include Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D and/or Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap):
Original Medicare consists of Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance). Everyone must first enroll in these two parts, and pay the Part B premium, before selecting additional coverage options. (If you're currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you have the option to switch back to Original Medicare during Medicare open enrollment.)
Medicare Advantage (also known as Medicare Part C) plans are sold by private insurers as a bundled alternative to Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional benefits, including some coverage for dental and vision care. And Medicare Advantage policies usually incorporate Part D prescription drug coverage into the plan.
Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage (stand-alone policies) are also administered by private insurers. Part D is an optional program that helps cover the cost of your prescription drugs. (You may owe a penalty if you go without Medicare drug coverage or other creditable prescription drug coverage for 63 or more consecutive days.)
Medicare Supplement Insurance plans, also known as Medigap plans, help pay your share of out-of-pocket health care costs incurred with Original Medicare parts A and B. If you have Original Medicare, you can apply for Medigap at any time, though you're generally only guaranteed a policy during your six-month Medigap open enrollment period, which starts the first month you're 65 or older and you have Medicare Part B.
Note: If you’ve claimed Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits before reaching age 65, you’ll automatically start receiving Original Medicare (parts A and B) the month you turn 65. You will be able to opt out of Part B if you have other qualifying health insurance, but Part A comes attached to Social Security benefits.
Shopping for Medicare Advantage plans? We have you covered.
MEDICARE ADVANTAGE is an alternative to traditional Medicare offered by private health insurers. Compare options from our Medicare Advantage roundup. | |
Best for size of network
| Best for Part B Giveback
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Best for ratings
| Best for low-cost plan availability
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Star ratings from CMS and on a 5-★ scale. | |
Medicare Advantage by state
Medicare Advantage plan availability varies by location. Click on a state on the map below to see the best Medicare Advantage plans available in that state.
Can I enroll in Medicare any time of the year?
Most people enroll in Medicare when they’re first eligible at age 65. Your initial enrollment period includes your 65th birthday month plus the three months before and after. Already getting Social Security benefits? You’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.
If you miss this and don’t qualify for a special enrollment period (SEP), you can sign up for Medicare during Medicare’s general enrollment period from Jan. 1 to March 31 each year. But you may face late penalties and risk not being covered until then.
Best Medicare Advantage plans
Nearly half of Medicare-eligible people are in a Medicare Advantage plan. But each plan has different strengths and weaknesses. Here’s the list of Medicare Advantage plans this year that got our attention.
Best for size of network: UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage.
Best for extra perks: Aetna Medicare Advantage.
Best for local support: Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage.
Best for low-cost plan availability: Humana Medicare Advantage.
Best of the Blues: Highmark Medicare Advantage.
» Learn more in our roundup of the best Medicare Advantage plans
Can I drop my Medicare Advantage plan and go back to Original Medicare?
Yes, you have two regular opportunities to do this: Medicare open enrollment from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, and Medicare Advantage open enrollment from Jan. 1 to March 31. You can also switch back to Original Medicare if you qualify for a special enrollment period.
However, depending on your circumstances and health conditions, you may not be able to qualify for a Medigap plan or the price may be expensive.
Medicare will have big changes in 2025. Compare Medicare Advantage plans
