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How-to · Health care

Compare and change a Medicare health or drug plan

You can join, switch or drop Medicare health or drug plans only during an applicable enrollment period.

Steps

3 steps
  1. Check enrollment eligibility and timingReview Medicare’s eligibility and enrollment-period rules. Open enrollment runs October 15–December 7, with January 1 coverage when the plan receives your request by December 7.
  2. Compare plans against your needsCompare local plans with all regularly used prescriptions entered. Check benefits, doctor and pharmacy networks, premiums, deductibles and estimated drug costs. Talk to other insurance or benefits administrators before changing that coverage.
  3. Enroll by an approved methodChoose Enroll in Medicare’s plan comparison tool, contact the plan, or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227). A mailed enrollment form must reach the plan before the enrollment period ends.

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