Switching Medicare Prescription Drug Plans

If you currently have Medicare prescription drug coverage, you should review your coverage each year in the fall. You might want to switch Medicare drug plans if another plan better meets your needs. Generally, you can only switch plans from November 15—December 31 of each year (see pages 119 – 120). Coverage under the new plan will begin January 1 of the following year. It’s best to join a plan early in the month once you’ve made your decision. In certain cases, you may be able to change plans at other times (see page 119). If you are happy with your coverage, and your Medicare drug plan is still offered in your area, you don’t have to do anything for your coverage to continue.

Important: Only give personal information to doctors, other providers, and Medicare plans approved by Medicare, and to the people in your community who work with Medicare, like your State Health Insurance Assistance Program or Social Security (SSA). Call 1 800 633 - 4227 if you have questions. TTY users should call 1 877 486 - 2048.