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November 4, 2026 - KFF Answers Medicare Questions:

Can I switch from my current Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D plan to a plan with a “5-star” quality rating in my area outside the open enrollment period?

Yes, if a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare drug plan with a 5-star rating is available in your area, there is a Special Enrollment Period that allows you to switch from your current Medicare plan to a Medicare plan with a “5-star” quality rating. You can use this Special Enrollment Period only once between December 8 and November 30 the following year.

Related:

KFF Answers Medicare Questions: There Are A Lot Of Medicare Part D Plan Options In My Area. How Do I Decide Which Plan Is Best For Me?

KFF Answers Medicare Questions: I Signed Up For A Stand-Alone Part D Plan Early In The Medicare Open Enrollment Period, But Then I Changed My Mind. Can I Switch To A Different Plan If The Medicare Open Enrollment Period Hasn’t Ended?


KFF Answers Medicare Questions: I Am 70 Years Old And Covered By Medicare, But I’m Wondering If I Can Purchase One Of The Health Plans Offered Through The Marketplace And Drop My Medicare Coverage? Is That An Option For Me?


KFF Answers Medicare Questions: I Heard There Have Been Changes To Medicare In Recent Years To Help Beneficiaries Lower Their Out-Of-Pocket Prescription Drug Costs Or Spread Them Throughout The Year. How Can These Changes Help Me?

KFF Answers Medicare Questions: I Didn’t Sign Up For Part B When I First Became Eligible, But Want To Sign Up Now. I Know There Is A Penalty For Late Enrollment. Is There Any Way To Avoid The Penalty?

KFF Answers Medicare Questions: There Are A Lot Of Medicare Advantage Plan Options In My Area. How Do I Decide Which Plan Is Best For Me?

KFF Answers Medicare Questions: Is the Medicare Open Enrollment Period the Same As the Marketplace Open Enrollment Period? Can I Buy Medicare and Medigap Plans Through the Marketplace?

KFF Answers Medicare Questions: I’m Having A Hard Time Affording My Medicare Part D Drug Coverage. Are There Any Options For Me?

KFF Answers Medicare Questions: I Am Turning 65 In A Few Months And Want To Go On Medicare. Will I Be Automatically Enrolled In Parts A And B Or Do I Need To Sign Up?

KFF Answers Medicare Questions: How Can I Compare My Medicare Coverage Options?

KFF Answers Medicare Questions: How and When Can I Switch from Medicare Advantage to Traditional Medicare? Is There a Form I Need to Fill Out? Can I Make That Change During the Medicare Open Enrollment Period?

KFF Answers Medicare Questions: I Want To Switch From Medicare Advantage To Traditional Medicare, But I Still Want Drug Coverage. What Do I Need To Do?

KFF Answers Medicare Questions: I Am Covered By Medicare, But I Don’t Take Any Medications. Do I Need To Sign Up For A Drug Plan?


While every effort has been made to provide accurate and up-to-date information in these FAQs, people should contact Medicare, Social Security, State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP), or companies offering Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans and Medigap policies directly for guidance on individual circumstances.

Source: KFF

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