What Happens If You Miss Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period?

Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7 every year, with no extensions. If that window has already closed and you didn't make a change, here's what actually happens — and what options, if any, are still available to you.

First: your current coverage continues

If you didn't make any changes during AEP, your existing plan generally carries over into the new year. You're not left without coverage — but you also didn't get the chance to review whether it's still the right fit.

Option 1: Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (January 1 – March 31)

If you're already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, this window lets you make one additional switch — either to a different Medicare Advantage plan, or back to Original Medicare (with the option to add a stand-alone Part D drug plan). This window does not apply if you're on Original Medicare only.

Option 2: A Special Enrollment Period (SEP), if you qualify

Outside of AEP and the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment window, changes are generally only allowed if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Common situations that can trigger an SEP include:

• Moving outside your current plan's service area
• Losing other coverage (such as employer coverage)
• Qualifying for both Medicare and Medicaid
• Your plan leaving the Medicare program or changing its contract with Medicare

SEP rules are specific to the situation that triggered them, so it's worth confirming eligibility rather than assuming.

Option 3: Wait for next year's AEP

If none of the above apply, the next opportunity to make a broad change is the following October 15 – December 7 window. In the meantime, it's worth noting what didn't work about your current plan so you're ready to act when the window reopens.