For Medicare Advantage plans that start coverage on January 1, 2026, the annual enrollment period is Oct. 15 – Dec. 7, 2025. During this period, you can join, drop or change Medicare Advantage plans and switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan.

Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) replace Original Medicare and include all the benefits of Medicare Parts A and B. Medicare supplement insurance plans, on the other hand, do not replace Original Medicare. Instead, they work alongside Original Medicare to help cover the expenses that Medicare doesn't, like deductibles and coinsurance.

Learn More About the Differences

There are three periods when you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan (Medicare Part C):

• Initial Coverage Enrollment Period: You can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan three months before you become eligible for both Medicare Part A and B (also known as Original Medicare). Here are some things to know:
  • Some people get Part B coverage when they turn 65. If you do, your enrollment period ends three months after you get Medicare Part B coverage.
  • Others may choose to wait, especially if they are still getting health insurance through their employer.
  • If you wait to sign up for Medicare Part B, you have two months after signing up for Part B to get Medicare Advantage coverage.
  • If you sign up for Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage at the same time, your coverage will start when you become eligible for Original Medicare.
  • If you delay getting Part B coverage, your Medicare Advantage coverage will begin on the first of the next month after you signed up for both Part B and Medicare Advantage.
• Annual Enrollment Period: The time period between October 15 and December 7 when you may sign up for or change your Medicare Advantage coverage, which will begin on January 1.
• Special Enrollment Period: If you lose health insurance coverage from your employer, you may qualify for a Medicare special enrollment period. You may also qualify for a special enrollment period if:
  • You move to an area that your current plan’s service area does not cover
  • You move into a nursing home
  • You are on Medicare and Medicaid
  • Your current plan is terminated

Original Medicare, provided by the federal government, consists of two parts – Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. These two parts cover different services. Part A provides hospital insurance and Part B provides medical insurance for doctor services and supplies.

Medicare Advantage is a combination plan that can take the place of Original Medicare. It includes both Parts A and B and usually includes extra coverage for dental, prescription and/or vision insurance. Medicare Advantage is provided by private insurance companies approved by the Medicare program.

Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, cover the benefits of Original Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Plus, you can get added benefits like dental, vision and/or prescription drug coverage with certain plans.