As Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) approaches—running from October 15 to December 7—you’ll likely hear a lot of advice from friends, agents, and even TV ads. Unfortunately, one of the most common pieces of advice floating around this time of year is not just misleading, but dangerous for your health coverage and finances. Avoid this to ensure you make the best decisions for your situation.
If you’re already on Medicare, understanding how AEP really works will help you avoid costly mistakes and secure the best Medicare plan for your needs.
The Bad Advice: “All Plans Are the Same and You Can Switch Anytime”
Every year, people are told that Medicare plans are “basically all the same” and that you can switch plans at any point. That is not true.
-
Not all plans are the same. Medicare Advantage, Original Medicare, Medigap, and Part D drug plans each have different rules, costs, coverage, and provider networks.
-
You can’t switch everything anytime. During AEP, you can change Medicare Advantage or Part D drug plans freely, but Medigap (Medicare Supplement) changes usually require medical underwriting in most states. That means if you have pre-existing conditions, you may be denied coverage.
This is why a Medicare plan comparison tailored to your situation is so important.
Why This Advice Can Be Risky
Many people with Original Medicare and a Supplement plan are persuaded to switch into Medicare Advantage during Open Enrollment. The problem? It’s often not reversible. If you later decide Medicare Advantage isn’t right for you, you may not be able to get your Supplement plan back without passing medical underwriting.
Advantage plans can be a good option if:
-
Your doctor only accepts Medicare Advantage.
-
You are very healthy and comfortable with higher out-of-pocket costs if care is needed.
-
You qualify for Medicaid.
But for many people, switching from Supplement to Advantage can lead to higher long-term costs and limited flexibility.
The Truth About What You Can Change
During AEP (Oct 15 – Dec 7):
✅ You can change your Medicare Advantage plan.
✅ You can change your Medicare Part D drug plan.
❌ You cannot automatically change your Medigap plan without medical underwriting in most states.
That’s why it’s so important to review your current Part D or Advantage plan each year, but not assume you can freely switch between all Medicare options.
Key Takeaways
As you prepare for Medicare’s Annual Review Period, remember:
-
Not all Medicare plans are the same—benefits, networks, and costs vary greatly.
-
During AEP, you can review and change your Advantage or Part D drug plan, but Medigap changes may require medical approval.
-
Beware of advice that says you can “just switch later”—that’s often not true.
-
A thoughtful Medicare plan comparison will help you make the right decision for long-term security and healthcare peace of mind.
Get Unbiased Medicare Guidance
The Medicare Coach is not associated with any insurance company, agent, or broker. This means we are completely independent and do not make commissions off recommended plans.
We offer a free online Medicare workshop that has helped over 150,000 people easily make their RIGHT Medicare decision.
To get help with your Medicare decision, you can register for my next free online Medicare workshop by going here: https://join.themedicarecoach.com/free-workshop
