Switching your Medicare plan
Changing Medicare plans can feel challenging, and we want to make it easier. The rules and timing can be different depending on what plan you’re on and what you want to switch to. Here are some common switching scenarios to get you started. But remember, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Blue Shield Medicare Advisors are here and happy to help.
Call us at (844) 345-8052 (TTY: 711)* to connect with a Blue Shield Medicare Advisor, or book an appointment online at your convenience.
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Learn about Medicare enrollment timing
Whether you’re enrolling in Medicare for the first time or looking to switch plans, timing matters. We’re here to help you know what to do and how to avoid penalties.
How do I switch from one Medicare Plan to another?
This is a high-level look at some common switching situations. Yours might not fit one of these scenarios exactly or at all. Get started by exploring Medicare.gov. For Medicare Supplement plans, take a deeper dive on our Guaranteed acceptance guide, or speak to Blue Shield Medicare Advisor at (844) 345-8052 (TTY: 711)* for more information.
Best timing: Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) (October 15 to December 7) or Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA-OEP) (January 1 to March 31)
What to know:
- Returning to Original Medicare gives you access to any doctor or hospital nationwide that accepts Medicare, with no network restrictions.
- Add a standalone Medicare Part D plan for prescription drug coverage
Timing: If you are voluntarily terminating your coverage, you may apply sixty (60) days before the effective date of termination, but no later than sixty-three (63) days after the date coverage is terminated.
Does this sound like you?
During your initial six-month enrollment period for Medicare Part A, you enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan or in a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provider. Then, you disenrolled from the plan or program within twelve (12) months of the effective date of that enrollment.
What to know:
- Be sure to complete the Current Insurance Coverage information section (including the end date) of your signed Medicare Supplement plan application.
- To speed up the process, include proof of Medicare Advantage Plan termination.
Best timing: AEP (October 15 to December 7) or during any applicable SEP
What to know:
- You can switch from a Medicare Supplement plan to Medicare Advantage plan during AEP.
- People often switch to lower monthly premiums or to bundle dental, vision, and hearing benefits.
- Before switching, confirm your doctors are in the new plan’s local network. Medicare Advantage plans do not give the same nationwide access as Medicare Supplement plans.
Best timing: AEP (October 15 to December 7) or MA-OEP, if dropping a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan (January 1 to March 31)
What to know:
- If you’re dropping a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan, you can enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D plan during MA-OEP or during a qualifying SEP, based on CMS guidelines.
- If you’re switching standalone Part D plans, you can only do this during AEP.
- Going without creditable drug coverage for 63 or more consecutive days may result in a late-enrollment penalty.
I’m not sure if I can switch Medicare plans right now
Not every situation qualifies for an immediate plan change, but it’s worth checking. If you’ve recently moved, lost coverage, or had a change in Medi-Cal or Extra Help status, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
Learn more about SEPs on Medicare.org
California’s Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program) offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling to help you evaluate your options and determine whether you qualify for special enrollment.
How to switch your Medicare Advantage or PDP plan during AEP
1. Review what you have now
- Review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter. This is usually mailed by September 30 each year
- Check your current premiums, deductible, formulary, and provider network for the coming year
- Consider: Did anything change? Are my doctors still in-network? Are my medications still covered?
2. Compare your options
- Use Blue Shield’s plan finder to see plans available in your area
- Check that your doctors and preferred pharmacies are in-network on any new plan
- Look up your medications on the new plan’s formulary
- Compare total estimated annual costs
3. Enroll before the deadline
- Enroll through Blue Shield’s plan finder
- Call a Medicare Advisor
- Book an appointment
Why Californians choose Blue Shield Medicare
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1 Blue Shield of California ranks #1 in market share for individual Medicare Supplement plans in California in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 according to state data and market share data provided annually by Mark Farrah Associates, a data aggregator and publisher.
Blue Shield of California is an HMO, HMO D-SNP, and a PDP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the California State Medicaid Program. Enrollment in Blue Shield of California depends on contract renewal.
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Page last updated: 7/31/2026