What Is the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period?
During this time of year in the senior market, it’s very important to know your seasons. The season we are in right now is the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period. This season runs from January 1st through February 14th. The reason this is important is because you, the consumer, have the opportunity to disenroll from a plan if you find it does not meet your needs. The Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period allows you to disenroll, go back to original Medicare, and enroll in a prescription drug plan (PDP).
Why Drop Your Plan During the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period?
Plans can change from one year to the next, and sometimes a plan that looked like a good fit in the fall doesn’t work as expected once the new year starts. Common reasons people make a change include a preferred doctor or specialist no longer being in the network, higher-than-expected out-of-pocket costs, medications that aren’t covered the way they expected, or benefits that didn’t match what they understood when they enrolled. If any of these sound familiar, this is the time to take a closer look.
What Can You Enroll in if You Drop Your Plan?
It’s important to know that you have other options besides Original Medicare if you drop your Medicare Advantage plan. During this window, you also have the opportunity to get Medigap coverage. Medigap refers to a Medicare Supplement, which helps pay for out-of-pocket costs you would otherwise face with Original Medicare alone. This means you can apply for a Medicare Supplement plan. Keep in mind that there will likely be underwriting, so your health history may play a role in whether you’re approved and what you pay.
Next Steps Before the Disenrollment Period Ends
Because the deadline is firm, it helps to review your current plan’s costs, provider network, and drug coverage now rather than waiting until the last week. Compare what you have today with what you would have under Original Medicare, a PDP, and a Medicare Supplement. A licensed agent can walk you through your options and answer questions specific to your situation.
Know your seasons. The annual election period (October 15th through December 7th) is over, but you still have until February 14th to disenroll and make a change if your plan isn’t working for you.
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This article was updated on October 23rd, 2026.
