Every year, some Medicare Advantage plans may leave the Medicare market (PDF 3.65MB) by Dec. 31. You should receive a letter from your plan by Sept. 30 explaining your options.

When can I enroll in a new plan?

You have two opportunities to change plans:

  • Special Enrollment Period: Dec. 8, 2025 - Feb. 28, 2026
  • Medicare Advantage plan Open Enrollment Period: Jan. 1 – March 31, 2026

Because your plan is leaving Medicare, you also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period and have two options to consider between Dec. 8 and the last day of February:

For most people, you will also enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug stand-alone plan. You can use the online Medicare Plan Finder tool to explore your options.

Whichever option you choose, your new plan will start on the first day of the month after you switch. Sign up with a new plan before Dec. 31 to avoid a coverage gap.

How to use the Medicare Plan Finder