Can I change Medicare plans more than once during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP)?

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Category: Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)
Updated: Apr 17, 2025

Probably not. But, you may be able to change your plans if you can find another Special Enrollment Period.

A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) allows a person to change their Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan outside of the annual Open Enrollment Period (AEP - October 15 through December 7) - and typically, a person has only one chance to make a Medicare plan selection during their Special Enrollment Period.

So, using an SEP and enrolling in a "new" Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan usually will "close" the Special Enrollment Period - with new Medicare plan coverage beginning the first day of the month after your SEP enrollment.

However, there is always the possibility that you can use another Special Enrollment Period to change plans after the close of your previous SEP.

For instance, if you are eligible for the Medicare Part D financial Extra Help program, you may be able to use the Dual-Eligible Special Enrollment Period to change Medicare Part D plans throughout the year. Beginning in 2025, the ability for Extra Help beneficiaries to change plans during the plan year will depend on whether your Medicare plan is a stand-alone Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan. Learn more about the timing for the Dual-Eligible SEP.

You are also granted a Special Enrollment Period if you move outside of your plan's service area, - or lose your Medicare plan coverage through no fault of your own - or are currently enrolled in a low-performing Medicare plan - or wish to join a 5-star Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan, among other situations.

Also, if there are "exceptional circumstances" surrounding your Special Enrollment Period - causing you to join the wrong plan, then that situation can create another Special Enrollment Period allowing you another chance to change your Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan. For instance, if a person chose a Medicare Part D plan during their Special Enrollment Period based on false or misleading information - or through an administrative error, the person may be granted another Special Enrollment Period providing them the opportunity to join another plan.

Please note that such an exceptional Special Enrollment Period is only granted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Medicare) on a case-by-case basis.

To obtain such an exceptional SEP, a person would need to telephone Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 and explain their situation to a Medicare representative. If you decide to request an extraordinary Special Enrollment Period from Medicare, we would suggest that you should be prepared to present a well-documented and organized claim.

See also: Is there a Special Enrollment Period for Medicare beneficiaries affected by natural disasters like a hurricane, wildfire, flood, earthquake, or COVID-19?