How to Change Medicare Plans — and Why You Might Want to
Here are the details on when to switch Medicare plans, what to consider and how to make it happen.
Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
Updated · 1 min read
Written by
Lead Writer & Content Strategist 
Edited by
Managing Editor Medicare open enrollment runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. It’s your chance to review your Medicare plan to see whether it’s changing and what else might be available.
Here’s how to check on your current coverage and potentially make a change during open enrollment.
Step 1: Read your Annual Notice of Change
You’ll get an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) in the mail by Sept. 30 — shortly before open enrollment starts.
The ANOC describes how your plan will change for the coming year.
Changes to look for in your ANOC
Costs Premiums, deductibles, copays, coinsurance and maximum out-of-pocket amounts.
Medical benefits Coverage for health care and services, plus which doctors and/or hospitals are in-network.
Medications Which prescription drugs are covered and what they'll cost out of pocket.
Compare Medicare Advantage plans
| Insurance company | CMS Star Rating | States available | Members in high-rated plans | Member experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.1 /5 | 48 states and Washington, D.C. | Medium (50% to 84%) | 3.76 (Above average) | |
| 3.61 /5 | 46 states and Washington, D.C. | Low (49% or less) | 3.61 (Above average) | |
| 4.19 /5 | 43 states and Washington, D.C. | Medium (50% to 84%) | 3.88 (Above average) | |
| 3.68 /5 | 29 states and Washington, D.C. | Medium (50% to 84%) | 3.89 (Above average) | |
| 4.19 /5 | 29 states | Medium (50% to 84%) | 3.66 (Above average) |
Step 2: Identify your needs
Think back on how your Medicare plan worked for you over the past year.
- Costs: Were the premiums, deductibles, copays and/or coinsurance affordable?
- Benefits: Did it cover the care and services you needed?
- Networks: Were you able to use the right doctors, hospitals and/or pharmacies?
- Medications: Were your medications available and affordable?
Take a look at your ANOC, too. Will upcoming changes to your plan make the plan a better or worse fit?
Based on your experience and your needs, identify what you most want out of a plan. You could make a list of a few top priorities.
Example priority lists
Choose a tab based on the kind of Medicare coverage you have.
- My doctors and hospital are in-network.
- Star rating of 4 stars or better (out of 5 stars).
- My medications are covered with affordable copays.
- $0 premiums.
Step 3: Shop for your best plan
With your priorities and your plan’s upcoming changes in mind, you can work on comparing options. Your current plan might be the best option, but it’s possible there’s another plan that’s a better fit.
For example, if your plan is getting more expensive, you can look for lower premiums. Or if the provider network is changing, you can search for plans that will cover your doctor.
You’ll probably have many options available during open enrollment. The average Medicare beneficiary had 42 unique Medicare Advantage plan options to choose from for 2025, for example. That’s according to a 2024 analysis by KFF, a health policy nonprofit.
Use reviews and shopping tools to compare the options available to you and find the best fit.
Step 4: Sign up
Once you’ve made a decision, you can make changes during open enrollment. Medicare open enrollment starts on Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7.
Switching plans
If you’re switching plans, you can sign up in several ways:
- Online: You can use Medicare.gov, an independent comparison site or an insurance company’s website to browse and sign up for plans.
- By phone: You can call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227; TTY 877-486-2048). Brokers, agents and insurance companies can also help you sign up by phone.
- On paper: You can ask the insurance company for a paper form, which you’ll have to get back to them by the end of open enrollment.
Keeping your plan
If you’ve decided to keep your plan, you shouldn’t need to sign up again during open enrollment. (You can confirm this by checking the section in your ANOC that starts with “If you want to stay…”)
Medicare open enrollment timeline
| Important dates | What to do |
|---|---|
| By Sept. 30: Receive your Annual Notice of Change in the mail. | Read through the ANOC and check for major changes. For example, look out for rising costs, different benefits or changes to the network. |
| Oct. 1: Plans can start advertising next year’s options. | Make a list of priorities for your coverage. Compare Medicare Advantage plans or Part D plans to find the options that best fit your priorities. |
| Oct. 15: Open enrollment starts. | Shop for the best Medicare Advantage plans or best Medicare Part D plans. Sign up when you’re ready. |
| Dec. 7: Open enrollment ends. | If you haven’t signed up yet, do so ASAP! Otherwise, you’ll miss your chance. |
If you have additional questions about Medicare, visit Medicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227, TTY 877-486-2048).
Article sources
NerdWallet writers are subject matter authorities who use primary,
trustworthy sources to inform their work, including peer-reviewed
studies, government websites, academic research and interviews with
industry experts. All content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness
and relevance. You can learn more about NerdWallet's high
standards for journalism by reading our
editorial guidelines.
Compare Medicare Advantage plans
| Insurance company | CMS Star Rating | States available | Members in high-rated plans | Member experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 UnitedHealthcare (855) 821-0556 / TTY 711 | 4.1 /5 | 48 states and Washington, D.C. | Medium (50% to 84%) | 3.76 (Above average) |
 Humana (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 | 3.61 /5 | 46 states and Washington, D.C. | Low (49% or less) | 3.61 (Above average) |
 Aetna (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 | 4.19 /5 | 43 states and Washington, D.C. | Medium (50% to 84%) | 3.88 (Above average) |
 HealthSpring (formerly Cigna) (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 | 3.68 /5 | 29 states and Washington, D.C. | Medium (50% to 84%) | 3.89 (Above average) |
 Devoted Health (855) 432-0512 / TTY 711 | 4.19 /5 | 29 states | Medium (50% to 84%) | 3.66 (Above average) |
AD
Medicare Advantage plan coverage you can count on
<span>UnitedHealthcare provides expert guidance for today and as your needs change.</span>
AD
Get help with your 3 key Medicare decisions
<ul class="list-disc ml-5 [&>li>ol]:ml-4 [&>li>ul]:ml-4 [&>li]:mt-2"><li><div class="mt-0 mb-0"><span><span><span>When to enroll in Medicare<br></span><span></span></span></span></div></li><li><div class="mt-0 mb-0"><span><span><span>How to get the most value from Medicare<br></span><span></span></span></span></div></li><li><div class="mt-0 mb-0"><span>How to keep Medicare working for you</span></div></li></ul>
Mn-Fr 8am - 9pm, Sat 8am - 8pm EST
Speak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.org
