Can you change Medicare Part D each year?

Asked by: Dr. Rusty Koepp  |  Last update: November 8, 2025
Score: 5/5 (49 votes)

The good news is most people with Part D are allowed to switch plans once a year, during the Open Enrollment/Annual Election Period (Oct. 15 – Dec. 7). Your old Medicare drug plan coverage will end when your new drug plan coverage begins.

Can I change my Medicare Part D plan every year?

In general, you may only switch plans during the Annual Election Period (AEP). This is between October 15 and December 7 each year. Coverage begins the following January 1.

What is the 7 month rule for Medicare?

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) – The 7-month period when someone is first eligible for Medicare. For those eligible due to age, this period begins 3 months before they turn 65, includes the month they turn 65, and ends 3 months after they turn 65. Coverage begins the month after a person signs up during their IEP.

Is there a penalty for switching Medicare plans?

There is no penalty for switching from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare. And, if you decide you want to switch again, there's also no penalty to switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage. You can switch between the two types of coverage as many times as you want.

What is the most popular Part D drug plan?

The best Medicare Part D provider is Aetna. It has top ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and affordable premiums. Other great providers include Wellcare and UnitedHealthcare.

Trump's reversal on medicine cap cut could impact senior citizens, but benefits economy

34 related questions found

What is the best Medicare plan that covers everything for seniors?

Original Medicare with Medigap likely offers the most comprehensive coverage, but it may also be the most costly. A person can consider their income and how much they are able to spend before choosing a Medicare plan. Original Medicare with Medigap also offers a lot of flexibility when choosing a doctor or specialist.

Why are hospitals refusing Medicare Advantage plans?

Among the most commonly cited reasons are excessive prior authorization denial rates and slow payments from insurers. In 2023, Becker's began reporting on hospitals and health systems nationwide that dropped some or all of their Medicare Advantage contracts.

Can I change my Medicare plan each year?

If you are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and would like to switch to traditional Medicare, or switch to another Medicare Advantage plan, you may do so during the Medicare Open Enrollment period, which runs from October 15 through December 7 each year, or during the second Open Enrollment Period just ...

How do I get my Part D penalty waived?

You should complete the appeal form you received from your plan, attach any evidence you have, and mail everything to:
  1. C2C Innovative Solutions Toll free fax: (833) 946-1912.
  2. Part D LEP Reconsiderations Customer Service: 833-919-0198.
  3. PO Box 44165.

Why do people say not to get a Medicare Advantage plan?

Disadvantages of Medicare Advantage plans can include difficulty switching out of the plans later, restrictions on care access, limited provider networks, and limitations on extra benefits.

Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?

Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.

What is the 2 2 2 rule in Medicare?

Introduced in the Fiscal Year 2014 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) Final Rule, the two-midnight rule specifies that Medicare will pay for inpatient hospital admissions when a physician reasonably expects the patient's care to require a stay that crosses two midnights, and the medical record supports this ...

Can I drop my employer health insurance and go on Medicare Part B?

Once you stop working (or lose your health insurance, if that happens first) you have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) when you can sign up for Medicare (or add Part B to existing Part A coverage).

What are the new Medicare Part D rules?

Changes to the Medicare Part D benefit under the Inflation Reduction Act are taking effect in 2025, including a new $2,000 out-of-pocket cap, an increase in the share of drug costs above the cap paid for by Part D plans and drug manufacturers, and a reduction in Medicare's share of these costs.

Can I change Medicare supplement plans each year?

In most cases, you won't have a right under federal law to switch Medigap policies, unless: You're within your 6-month Medigap open enrollment period, or. You're eligible under a specific situation or guaranteed issue right (when an insurance company can't deny you a Medigap policy).

Can you change Part D plans without penalty?

The good news is most people with Part D are allowed to switch plans once a year, during the Open Enrollment/Annual Election Period (Oct. 15 – Dec. 7).

Is Part D penalty for life?

How long does the Part D penalty last? In most cases, the Part D penalty is permanent. You'll generally have to pay the penalty as long as you have Medicare drug coverage. Even if you choose to join another Medicare Part D plan, you'll still pay the penalty with the new plan.

What is the Part D plan in 2025?

For the first time, beginning in 2025, the drug law, known as the Inflation Reduction Act, requires all Medicare prescription drug plans (Medicare Part D plans) — including both standalone Medicare prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage — to offer enrollees the option to ...

Do you have to renew Medicare Part D every year?

After you're enrolled in Medicare, your coverage will continue unless you decide to make changes. Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, Part D plans and Medigap plans all automatically renew. This prevents any gaps in coverage, and saves on time and paperwork for everyone.

What are the top 5 medicare supplement plans?

💬 From our Nerds: What are the top five Medicare supplement plans? "Based on NerdWallet's Medigap rubric, I picked five best Medicare Supplement Insurance companies for 2025: AARP/UnitedHealthcare, Mutual of Omaha, State Farm, Anthem and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Is it hard to switch Medicare plans?

You can switch if an insurer is willing to sell you a new Medigap policy. If you have the right to switch, you may have to wait up to 6 months before any new benefits or your pre-existing condition will be covered.

Why are seniors losing Medicare Advantage plans?

Medicare vs Privatized Medicare Advantage

Beneficiaries are tossed aside because they live in an unprofitable market for their insurer or because they are actually using the insurance they signed up for to access services.

Which health insurance denies the most claims?

According to the analysis, AvMed and UnitedHealthcare tied for the highest denial rate, with both companies denying about a third of in-network claims for plans sold on the Marketplace in 2023, respectively.

Which company has the best Medicare Advantage plan?

Best Medicare Advantage Plans for 2025
  • Best Overall, Best for Low Costs: Cigna.
  • Also Great for Low Costs: Alignment Health.
  • Best for Nationwide Coverage: Aetna.
  • Best for Patient Experience, Best for Drug Coverage: Kaiser Permanente.
  • Best for Special Needs Plans: Humana.