Medicare Open Enrollment 2024-2025: What You Need to Know

Medicare open enrollment is the period from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 when people already enrolled in Medicare can make changes to their coverage^[0]

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.

What can you do during Medicare open enrollment?

You can do the following during the Medicare open enrollment period^[0]

• 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^[0]

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^[0]

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.

What happens if I do nothing during Medicare open enrollment?

If you don’t do anything during Medicare open enrollment, your current coverage will renew for next year. That said, if your Medicare Advantage plan was discontinued for 2025 and you do nothing, you’ll be enrolled in Original Medicare and you’ll have to choose a Medicare Part D plan for continued prescription drug coverage if you don’t qualify for Extra Help.

If your Medicare Part D plan was discontinued for 2025 and you weren’t rolled into a new one, you’ll need to choose a new Part D plan to avoid being without prescription drug coverage.

If your plan has been discontinued, you’ll likely qualify for a special enrollment period that may go beyond the Dec. 7 deadline for Medicare open enrollment. If your provider sends a notice that your plan is being discontinued, read the notice to make sure you understand your options.

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.

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)^[0]

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^[0]

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^[0]

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^[0]

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.

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.

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.

• Best for ratings: Aetna.

• Best for low-cost plan availability: Cigna.

• Best for Part B Giveback: Humana.

• Best startup: Devoted Health.