November 9, 2026 - KFF Answers Medicare Questions:
Is there a lifetime limit on the number of times a person can switch Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans, or can I shop around and switch every year if I want to?
You may switch Medicare Advantage and Part D plans every year during the annual Medicare Open Enrollment period (October 15 through December 7), and, if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can also switch during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment period (January 1 through March 31). It is generally a good idea to compare your plan options every year, even if you are happy with your current coverage, since plans often make changes to their benefits, cost sharing, premiums, and/or provider networks from one year to the next. In addition, you may find another plan that meets your needs better than your current plan if your health needs have changed during the year.
Related:
KFF Answers Medicare Questions: I Have Medicare Part A And Part B. I’ve Heard About Part C And Part D, But I Don’t Know What Those Are. Do I Need To Sign Up For Those During The Medicare Open Enrollment Period?
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?
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: 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
