Medicare Advantage

How to Switch Medicare Advantage Plans 2026

▼ Bottom Line

You can switch Medicare Advantage plans during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7) or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (Jan 1 – Mar 31). Changes take effect the first day of the following month.

Switching Medicare Advantage plans is easier than most people think — but it must be done during the right enrollment window. Here’s exactly how to do it.
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When Can You Switch Medicare Advantage Plans?

Step-by-Step Switching Process

  1. Compare plans: During AEP, use Medicare Plan Finder or a licensed broker to compare your current plan vs alternatives.
  2. Verify your doctors and drugs: Confirm in-network status and formulary coverage for the new plan.
  3. Enroll in the new plan: Signing up for the new plan automatically disenrolls you from the old one — you don’t need to formally cancel.
  4. Confirm the switch: You’ll receive an enrollment confirmation and new ID card within 2–4 weeks.

Common Reasons to Switch

See also: Enrollment GuideBest Plans