Your options after December 7
| Situation | What you can do | When |
|---|---|---|
| You're in a Medicare Advantage plan | Switch Medicare Advantage plans, or return to Original Medicare and join a Part D plan (one change) | January 1 to March 31 |
| Your plan isn't renewing for 2027 | Join another Medicare Advantage or Part D plan | Through February 28, 2027 |
| You have Ohio Medicaid or Extra Help | Change drug plans, or leave Medicare Advantage for Original Medicare with a drug plan | Once a calendar month |
| You have full Ohio Medicaid | Join an integrated D-SNP, such as a MyCare Ohio plan | Once a calendar month |
| You move out of your plan's area, or to new plan options | Switch plans or return to Original Medicare | From the move through 2 full months after |
| You lose employer or union coverage | Join a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan | Up to 2 full months after the coverage ends |
| You move into, live in or leave a nursing home | Join, switch or drop a plan | While you live there and 2 months after you leave |
| A declared emergency or disaster kept you from choosing | Make the change you missed | Until 2 full months after the incident ends |
Most changes start the first of the month after your plan gets your request. The full list is on Medicare.gov's special enrollment periods page and in 42 CFR 422.62(b) and 423.38(c).
Ohio situations to know about
- Plans ending in 2027. Some companies stop offering some Medicare Advantage plans in parts of Ohio. See Ohio plans ending in 2027.
- MyCare Ohio. If you're in a MyCare plan for Medicaid, you can line up your Medicare with the same plan at any time through Medicare. See MyCare Ohio.
- Winter storms and floods. Ohio disaster declarations can open a special enrollment period. See winter storms, floods and Medicare in Ohio.
- Retiring from an Ohio public job. Losing active employer coverage can open a window. Check your retirement system's own deadlines too; see Ohio public retirement systems and Medicare.
Medigap works differently. Ohio has no birthday rule, so changing Medigap policies outside a guaranteed-issue situation usually means health questions. See Medigap in Ohio.
To check whether you qualify and compare plans from the companies they work with, you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227, TTY 1-877-486-2048).
Related questions
What is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?
One change, January 1 to March 31.
When is open enrollment?
October 15 to December 7.
My plan is ending. What do I do?
Your special enrollment period.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Special Enrollment Periods
- eCFR — 42 CFR 422.62, election of coverage under an MA plan (special election periods, disasters)
- eCFR — 42 CFR 423.38, Part D enrollment periods (Medicaid, Extra Help and integrated plan SEPs)
- Ohio Department of Medicaid — Next Generation MyCare Member Frequently Asked Questions
More questions in this guide
- Can I switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare in Ohio?
- Do I get a guaranteed right to buy Medigap if my plan leaves Ohio?
- My Medicare Advantage plan is ending in 2027 in Ohio. What do I do?
- What is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?
- What is the Medicare Annual Notice of Change?
- When is Medicare open enrollment in Ohio?
- Which Medicare companies are leaving Ohio in 2027?
Part of the guide: Medicare Open Enrollment in Ohio (2027 Plans) · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I leave my Medicare Advantage plan if my doctor leaves the network?
Usually not on that basis alone. Medicare evaluates special enrollment periods for a significant change in a plan's provider network case by case. Otherwise you can change during January 1 to March 31 or the next open enrollment. Your plan must notify you when a doctor you see leaves its network.
Can I switch plans if I move within Ohio?
Yes, if you move out of your plan's service area, or to a new address with new plan options. Your chance starts the month you move (or the month before, if you tell your plan in advance) and lasts 2 full months after.
Is there a special enrollment period after a flood or storm in Ohio?
Yes, when a federal, state or local government declares an emergency or major disaster and it kept you from making a choice. It runs until 2 full calendar months after the incident ends. Tell the plan you want to join, or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
Medicare in your Ohio county
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