​Medicare Open Enrollment 2025: Can you still apply for the program this year? 

20/01/2025
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10:39
CSTIf you missed Medicare’s open enrollment period, which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year, you may be wondering if there’s still a way to enroll or adjust your coverage without waiting another year.The answer depends on a number of factors, primarily your current coverage, the Medicare plans available in your area, and certain life circumstances you may be facing.If you did not enroll during the Medicare open enrollment period, your plan will automatically renew. You cannot change your coverage without a special enrollment period, which only affects Part D, not Medicare Advantage. It is an extraordinary time outside of typical enrollment when Medicare users can change or add to their coverage. Special Enrollment Periods are for people who have significant life changes or meet certain conditions. You can adjust your Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug coverage after life events such as moving or losing other coverage.In this case, these special scenarios would qualify: Change of address: You can choose a different Medicare plan if you move out of your current plan’s service area.Loss of coverage: Includes loss of Medicaid or job coverage, or if your plan is no longer creditable coverage.New coverage available: You can join an employer or union plan, or enroll in coverage such as TRICARE or VA.Plan contract changes: If Medicare approves or does not renew your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan.Move out of service area: You qualify to switch to a new Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare.Exceptional Circumstances: Qualifies for an SEP due to natural disaster, incarceration, error, or loss of Medicaid.If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan and want to switch to traditional Medicare or another Advantage plan, you have until March 2025 to do so. The MAOPE open enrollment period, which runs from January 1 through March 31, allows you to switch Advantage plans, return to Original Medicare, or enroll in a Part D drug plan.