What To Consider When Changing Medicare Plans
Finding a new plan may be easier than you think. We’ll help you get started with key details you'll need to know.
I Want To Change My Medicare Advantage Plan
In addition to providing medical and hospital coverage, most Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans cover prescription drugs, dental, vision, hearing, and more – but not all plans are equal.
When you consider different plan options, be sure to compare the benefits and costs with your current plan. Check to see if your doctors and hospitals are in the new plan network and look up your drugs to estimate the cost.
Enrollment And Eligibility
You can join, drop, or switch to another Medicare Advantage plan every year during the Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 to December 7.
At other points during the year, you may qualify for a two-month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you have a qualifying life event, such as moving out of your plan's service area, or losing employer coverage.
Smart Tip: Annual Enrollment Period is October 15 to December 7.
I Want To Change My Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP)
D-SNPs are Medicare Advantage plans for people with Medicare and Medicaid. If you qualify, these plans give benefits beyond Original Medicare‡ and Medicaid — with $0 monthly premiums.
Enrollment And Eligibility
Starting January 1, 2025, enrollment options are changing for Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs). These changes are meant to give you better care but may impact when you can enroll in a D-SNP. Whether you’re signing up for the first time or switching plans, here are some important things to know.
To enroll in a D-SNP, you must have Medicare Parts A and B and be eligible for Medicaid.
If you qualify, you can enroll in a D-SNP the first month you become eligible for Medicaid. Your coverage will start on the first day of the following month.
If you’re already enrolled in a D-SNP, you may be able to change plans monthly, depending on your current plan, where you live, and/or the plan you want to enroll in.
You can always switch plans during the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7 every year. If you switch during that time, your coverage will start on January 1.
You must renew your Medicaid coverage every year to stay enrolled in a D-SNP. Medicare eligibility is reviewed by your state Medicaid agency. You will get a notification from your state agency when it’s time for you to complete your renewal. Make sure to return it right away because if your Medicaid coverage isn’t renewed, you may lose your eligibility for a D-SNP as you need both Medicaid and Medicare.
Call us to get one-on-one guidance from a licensed insurance agent and learn more about your D-SNP eligibility.
Find The Right Anthem Medicare Plan For You
As a leading healthcare provider Anthem is committed to helping you find a new plan that's right for you. You can choose from a wide range of options or call one of our licensed agents for personalized guidance: tel
Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans
Our comprehensive Medicare Advantage plans include everything Original Medicare‡ has to offer – and more. You can select an Anthem plan that may include benefits like these:
$0 or low premiums
Dental, vision, and hearing coverage
Prescription drug (Part D) coverage
SilverSneakers® fitness membership
Plus, you could get a spending allowance for over-the-counter health items, groceries1, transportation2, and utilities1 — all conveniently managed via an Anthem Benefits Prepaid Card. Plan premiums, availability, benefits, and benefit amounts may vary based on where you live, the plan you choose, and your eligibility.
Medicare Advantage is available in HMO, PPO, and Dual Special Needs Plans so you have the flexibility to choose the coverage that fits you.
Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs)
Medicare Advantage Dual Special Needs Plans are for people eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Our D-SNP plans offer additional Medicare Advantage benefits at little to no extra cost. These plans may include benefits like:
Dental, Vision, and Hearing coverage
Prescription drug coverage
Utility bill1 support for those who qualify
Transportation2 for health-related appointments
Over-the-counter allowance for health items
24/7 virtual doctor visits
Personal Emergency Response System
Support with groceries1 and assistive devices for those who qualify
Plan premiums, availability, benefits, and benefit amounts may vary based on where you live, the plan you choose, and your eligibility.
Check Your Doctors And Prescriptions
We want to make sure you’re happy with your new plan. Before you change plans, check your doctors and prescriptions.
Change Your Healthcare Plan Confidently
Need some extra guidance? These helpful resources can help you feel comfortable with your decision to change plans.
Frequently Asked Questions About Changing Plans
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‡ Original Medicare: Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance).
1 Members may receive a monthly or quarterly allowance in the form of a benefits prepaid card to pay for a wide range of approved groceries and utilities. Unused amounts will expire at the end of the month or quarter. Benefits vary by plan.
2 Transportation services are issued as one-way trips and provided on an annual basis. Benefits vary by plan.
The Benefits Mastercard® Prepaid Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. This is a benefits card that can only be used at certain Mastercard merchants participating in this program and will be authorized for qualified purchases as set forth in your Terms and Conditions. Valid only in the U.S. No cash access. Other languages are available upon request.
The SilverSneakers fitness program is provided by Tivity Health, an independent company. Please talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program. SilverSneakers, the SilverSneakers shoe logo type and SilverSneakers Flex are registered trademarks of Tivity Health, Inc. © 2025 Tivity Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
Anthem, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare Contract, offers HMO, HMO D-SNP, and LPPO plans. Anthem HMO D-SNP plans additionally contract with state Medicaid programs. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Retiree Solutions, a Medicare Organization with a Medicare Contract in New York, offers LPPO plans. Anthem Blue Cross Retiree Solutions, a Medicare Organization with a Medicare Contract in New York, offers LPPO plans. Enrollment in Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Retiree Solutions, and Anthem Blue Cross Retiree Solutions plans depend on contract renewal.