For Consumers

When can I sign up, switch or leave?

Sign up for Medicare information

In addition to when you first join Medicare, you can also enroll during:

Annual election period

Occurs: Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 each year

During this enrollment period:

Medicare Advantage open enrollment period

Occurs: Jan. 1 through March 31 each year

If you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan on Jan. 1, you can:

  • Change to a different Medicare Advantage plan.
  • Leave your Medicare Advantage plan to join Original Medicare.
  • Add or drop Medicare Part D when switching plans.

However, you cannot switch from one stand-alone prescription drug plan to another stand-alone prescription drug plan.

Any changes you make, take effect the first day of the month after your request.

Special enrollment period

Some people, such as those with Medicaid (www.dshs.wa.gov) or Extra Help (www.ssa.gov), a change in where they live, a change in their current health insurance, or whose plan is leaving Medicare, may switch plans before the annual election period.