Is Annual Enrollment the only time I can switch Medicare plans?

Not always. Some life changes give you a Special Enrollment Period, such as moving away from your plan's service area, losing coverage from an employer or Medicaid, entering or leaving a nursing home, or becoming eligible for Extra Help. The deadline varies by situation, so reach out right away when something changes.

More detail

Here are some examples. You move to another county and your plan doesn't serve your new home. Or you move into a nursing home, lose Medicaid, or qualify for Extra Help. Each of these can open a window to change your Medicare Advantage or drug plan.

Other situations can count too, like your plan leaving Medicare, or a plan with a 5-star quality rating being available in your area.

The mistake to avoid is waiting. These windows have time limits, and they differ by reason. If you miss one, you may have to wait for the next enrollment period.

What to do: tell me about the change as soon as it happens, and keep paperwork that shows the date, like a letter about lost coverage or proof of your new address.

Life changes don't always come with a warning, so call me when they do and we'll check your options.