When Can I Switch Medicare Advantage Plans for 2027? Your Situation, Your Window

Everyone in a plan can switch October 15 to December 7, 2026, and once more January 1 to March 31, 2027.

A plan leaving Medicare for 2027 gives its members until the end of February 2027.

People with Extra Help or full Medicaid have a monthly window, but it only allows certain moves.

A move out of the service area opens a window whether or not you want to leave the plan.

Tell the plan before you move The window can start the month before the move, so the new plan can begin the day you arrive.

Example: moving March 20, 2027 With advance notice, the window runs February 1 through May 31, 2027.

If you do nothing If the old plan no longer serves your new home, it will disenroll you and you go to Original Medicare.

The monthly window allows

The monthly window does not allow

1,050

dual special needs plans (D-SNPs) for people with Medicare and Medicaid in 2027

3,040

of 3,131 counties with at least one D-SNP

147

insurer brands offering at least one D-SNP

752

chronic-condition special needs plans

Choose a replacement by December 31, 2026 to avoid any time on Original Medicare in January.

Picking a plan after January 1 is still possible until February 28, 2027, starting the first of the next month.

A plan ending also creates a guaranteed right to buy certain Medigap policies for a limited time.

A contract ended by Medicare mid-year follows a separate window around the termination date.

Joined a Medicare Advantage plan when Medicare began: one change during the first 3 months of coverage.

Joined at 65 for the first time: a 12-month trial right to leave for Original Medicare with Medigap protections.

Still in the 7-month Initial Enrollment Period: you can generally change your choice before that period ends.

After the first year, the regular fall and January to March windows apply.