When you can switch
| Window | Dates | Coverage starts |
|---|---|---|
| Open enrollment | October 15 to December 7 | January 1 |
| Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period | January 1 to March 31 (one change) | First of the next month |
| Your plan is ending | December 8 to the last day of February | First of the next month |
| Medicaid or Extra Help | Once a calendar month | First of the next month |
| Trial right (first Medicare Advantage plan) | Within 12 months of joining | First of the next month |
| Moving out of your plan's area | From the move through 2 full months after | Depends on when you choose |
Don't forget drug coverage
Original Medicare doesn't include Part D. Join a standalone drug plan at the same time, or you could pay a late enrollment penalty later. CMS lists 9 standalone Part D plans from 5 companies in Ohio for 2027; Ohio is its own Part D region, so the same plans are sold statewide. See Part D in Ohio.
The Ohio Medigap catch
Ohio has no Medigap birthday, anniversary or yearly switching rule. A bill (HB 24) has been proposed; it is not law. So when you leave Medicare Advantage, a Medigap company can usually ask about your health and decline you or exclude a condition. You can buy Medigap without health questions only in these situations (OAC 3901-8-08(O)):
- Trial right: you joined Medicare Advantage when first eligible at 65 and leave within 12 months, or you dropped a Medigap policy to join Medicare Advantage for the first time and leave within 12 months (you can get your old policy back if it's still sold).
- Your plan is ending or leaving your county, or you move out of its area.
- Your plan broke its contract or misled you.
Without one of these, apply before you drop your plan: stay in Medicare Advantage until a Medigap company approves you. See Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage in Ohio.
Ohio retirees: check first
If your Medicare Advantage plan comes from STRS Ohio or SERS, leaving it can end your retiree coverage. STRS Ohio says joining any other Part D plan cancels its medical and prescription coverage. OPERS and OP&F retirees choose individual plans through their system's marketplace. See Ohio public retirement systems and Medicare.
To compare Medigap and Part D options from the companies they work with, you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent.
Related questions
What is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?
January 1 to March 31.
Do I get guaranteed Medigap if my plan leaves?
Your 63-day right.
Can I change after open enrollment?
Special enrollment periods.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Joining a health or drug plan (enrollment periods)
- Medicare.gov — Special Enrollment Periods (trial right, Medicaid and Extra Help, moves)
- eCFR — 42 CFR 422.62, election of coverage under an MA plan
- Ohio Administrative Code 3901-8-08, Medicare supplement (guaranteed issue)
- Ohio General Assembly — House Bill 24 (136th), status
- STRS Ohio — Medicare enrollment
More questions in this guide
- Can I change my Medicare plan after open enrollment ends?
- 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
How do I drop my Medicare Advantage plan?
If your plan includes drug coverage, the simplest way is to join a standalone Part D plan; that ends your Medicare Advantage enrollment automatically. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE or send your plan a written request to disenroll.
When does Original Medicare start after I switch?
A change made October 15 to December 7 starts January 1. A change made January 1 to March 31, or with most special enrollment periods, starts the first of the month after your request.
I joined Medicare Advantage at 65 less than a year ago. Can I get Medigap?
Yes. Under the trial right, if you joined a Medicare Advantage plan when first eligible for Medicare at 65 and leave within 12 months, you can buy any Medigap policy sold in Ohio without health questions.
Medicare in your Ohio county
Plans, local agents and help, county by county: Franklin · Cuyahoga · Hamilton · Summit · Montgomery · Lucas · Butler · Stark · Lorain · Warren · Delaware · Lake · Mahoning · Clermont · Trumbull · Licking · Medina · Greene · Fairfield · Portage · All 88 counties →
