Medicare basics
Enrollment periods and events
Medicare has a small number of windows in which you can change your coverage. Here is what each one lets you do, and which of them does not apply to Medicare Supplement plans at all.
Annual Enrollment Period
October 15 to December 7
Join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage plan or a Part D prescription drug plan. Coverage takes effect January 1 of the following year.
Open Enrollment Period
January 1 to March 31
One change: switch Medicare Advantage plans, or drop a Medicare Advantage plan to return to Original Medicare and add a Part D plan if you wish.
Special Election Periods
Triggered by a life event
Opened by events such as a move, a disaster, or losing employer coverage. What you can change depends on the event.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
All year
You can enroll in or switch to a Medicare Supplement plan at any time. The Annual Election Period does not apply to Medigap.
Workshop events
Workshop events for 2026 Medicare plans
We will be covering the two most competitive Medicare Advantage plans for Mohave County.
- Kingman
- Bullhead City
If you plan on attending, please RSVP
RSVP by calling or texting us by October 14.
Call or text (928) 263-8500Seating is limited. Contact us to confirm the next workshop date and location.
What if I missed my Initial Enrollment Period?
If you missed your window for enrollment in Medicare, your next opportunity to enroll will be during the Annual Election Period, October 15 through December 7. Coverage will then become effective on the first of the month following your enrollment date.
Can I switch plans at any time?
You can change Medicare Advantage plans during the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 through December 7. This applies to joining, switching or dropping Medicare Advantage plans and Part D prescription drug plans. The Open Enrollment Period from January 1 through March 31 allows you a one-time Medicare Advantage plan change, or lets you drop a Medicare Advantage plan and move to a Medicare Supplement plan. Additional opportunities to change plans are called Special Election Periods, for example a move or a disaster.
You can enroll in or switch to a Medicare Supplement plan at any time. It is highly encouraged that you seek the help of a Medicare professional before making changes during OEP. See how the plan types differ before you switch.
Enrollment period questions
- What if I missed my Initial Enrollment Period?
- If you missed your window for enrollment in Medicare, your next opportunity will be during the Annual Election Period, October 15 to December 7. Coverage then becomes effective on the first of the month following your enrollment date.
- Can I switch Medicare plans at any time?
- You can change Medicare Advantage plans during the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 through December 7. This applies to joining, switching or dropping Medicare Advantage plans and Part D prescription drug plans. The Open Enrollment Period from January 1 through March 31 allows you one Medicare Advantage plan change, or lets you drop a Medicare Advantage plan and move to a Medicare Supplement plan.
- Are there other chances to change plans?
- Yes. Additional opportunities are called Special Election Periods, triggered by events such as a move or a disaster. You can also enroll in or switch to a Medicare Supplement plan at any time of year.
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