To help you navigate these options and find the best plan for your needs, we’ve teamed up with Chapter to provide personalized, 1-1 guidance.


Ensuring that your healthcare needs are met as they evolve is essential. Whether you've just become eligible for Medicare or have been enrolled for years, understanding when and how to adjust your coverage can help you stay on top of your health and avoid unnecessary costs. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps you need to take to make informed changes to your Medicare coverage.

Understanding the Medicare Enrollment Periods

The first step in changing your Medicare coverage is understanding the different enrollment periods. Medicare has specific times when you can change your plan, and knowing these can save you a lot of hassle.

  • Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): This is the first time you can sign up for Medicare. It begins three months before your 65th birthday, includes the month of your birthday, and ends three months after. During this time, you can enroll in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance), Part C (Medicare Advantage), or Part D (prescription drug coverage).
  • Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): Every year, from October 15 to December 7, you can make changes to your Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare prescription drug coverage for the upcoming year. Changes made during this period take effect on January 1 of the following year. Explore more about this on the Medicare resources page.
  • Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: From January 1 to March 31, if you're already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan or return to Original Medicare.
  • Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Certain life events, such as moving or losing other insurance coverage, may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period, during which you can make changes to your Medicare plan outside of the standard enrollment periods. Learn more about SEPs on Medicare.gov.

Reviewing Your Current Medicare Coverage

Before making any changes, it's important to review your current Medicare coverage. Ask yourself these questions:

  • Are my current healthcare needs being met? Consider whether your current plan covers all the services you require. If your health has changed, it might be time to look for a different plan.
  • Am I paying too much? If you're paying for benefits or services you don't use, you might want to consider switching to a plan that better fits your needs and budget.
  • Are my preferred doctors and hospitals still in-network? If your current providers are no longer in-network, it may be worth finding a plan that includes them to avoid higher out-of-pocket costs.


To help you navigate these options and find the best plan for your needs, we’ve teamed up with Chapter to provide personalized, 1-1 guidance.


Steps to Change Your Medicare Coverage

Once you've reviewed your current coverage and decided that you need to make changes, follow these steps:

  • Compare Plans: Use the Medicare Plan Finder tool on the official Medicare website to compare different plans available in your area. This tool allows you to see how plans stack up in terms of cost, coverage, and quality ratings.
  • Contact Medicare or Your Plan Provider: You can make changes to your plan online, over the phone, or by contacting your plan provider directly. Be sure to have your Medicare number and the information for the new plan you're interested in when you call.
  • Confirm Your Enrollment: After making changes, you’ll receive a confirmation letter. Review this letter carefully to ensure all the information is correct. If there are any discrepancies, contact Medicare immediately.
  • Mark Your Calendar: Once you’ve made changes, mark your calendar with important dates, such as when your new coverage begins and when you need to make any future changes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making changes to your Medicare coverage, be aware of some common pitfalls:

  • Missing Enrollment Periods: Missing the deadlines for enrollment periods can result in delays in coverage or penalties.
  • Not Reviewing Your Plan Annually: Your health needs and plan options can change each year. It’s important to review your plan annually during the Open Enrollment Period to ensure it still meets your needs.
  • Overlooking Prescription Drug Coverage: If you don’t sign up for Part D when you're first eligible and don’t have other credible drug coverage, you may face a late enrollment penalty.

Making changes to your Medicare coverage doesn’t have to be stressful. By staying informed and proactive, you can ensure that your Medicare plan continues to meet your needs throughout your life.

Ready to learn more about your Medicare options? Join our GetSetUp classes on Medicare to get guidance and ensure you’re making the best choices for your health coverage.

Reviewed By: Keith Gilbert