Medicare Advantage open enrollment is just around the corner. If you want to switch plans, you can change your Medicare insurance elections until March 31. Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, is private health insurance that has become so popular that more than half of seniors eligible for traditional Medicare now opt for this alternative, according to a recent report by healthcare advisory firm Chartis.
If you're already an Advantage enrollee, there are only two times a year — spring and fall — when you can switch from one plan to another or return to traditional Medicare.
If you’re not already on an Advantage plan, however, you’ll need to wait for the fall Medicare open enrollment period. In addition, you can only join, switch or drop an Advantage plan or a Medicare drug plan (Part D) during open enrollment, according to Medicare. Even if you're happy with your plan, experts say the open enrollment period is a good time to review which Medicare Advantage plan is right for you.
Medicare Advantage open enrollment tips
Spring enrollment starts January 1 and runs until March 31, while fall enrollment runs concurrently with Medicare's open enrollment period, from October 15 to December 7.
While the best plan will depend on each individual's needs, there has been a slew of Advantage plans introduced in the last year alone — each touting various features — and so, choosing a plan can be overwhelming.
There are several things to consider. For example, most beneficiaries were satisfied overall with their plans, but some found challenges, according to a Retirement Living survey of 351 Advantage beneficiaries. Respondents reported issues with telehealth services, overbilling, online and mobile app access and more.
According to Medicare Resources, which provides consumer information about Medicare, you should consider changing your coverage in the following instances.
- Your preferred providers are no longer in-network.
- The prescription drugs you need are now more expensive.
- You find cheaper plans when you compare premiums and drug costs among the various Advantage plans.
- Your plan does not offer the perks (like dental, vision or acupuncture) that matter most to you.
Advantage plan costs
Many Advantage plans have monthly premiums, which can vary widely. While many Advantage beneficiaries enroll in zero-premium plans, some select plans with higher premiums that have more favorable out-of-pocket costs or because they want to be in a specific provider's network. The average monthly premium is $17.00 in 2025, down $1.23 from $18.23 in 2024.
Advantage enrollees who move outside of their plan's service area must enroll in a plan within their new service area.
In addition, while Advantage enrollment is up, growth is slowing as the marketplace is at an inflection point, according to the Chartis report. While the growth trend will likely continue, Advantage also faces regulatory scrutiny and other headwinds.
Advantage plan quality
To help you explore options, you can find more information on Medicare Plan Finder, a government website designed to help you search for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans within your zip code. The finder rates available plans in your area using a star system, where five stars are the highest rating.
You can also visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for information on plans available in your area.
