Medicare Renewal: How to Keep Your Coverage and Avoid Gaps

March 24, 2025

elderly man and doctor sitting together during consultation

Medicare coverage isn’t something you want to lose by accident. Whether you have Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or Part D prescription drug coverage, knowing when and how to renew ensures you don’t face unexpected medical bills or coverage gaps.

Some Medicare plans renew automatically, while others require you to take action before deadlines. If you don’t review your plan annually, you could end up with higher premiums, fewer covered services, or a plan that no longer fits your needs.

Does Medicare Automatically Renew?

The renewal process depends on which type of Medicare coverage you have. Some plans renew automatically, while others require you to confirm coverage each year.

Plans That Renew Automatically

If you’re already enrolled in any of these Medicare plans, they will typically continue without action, as long as your premiums are paid:

  • Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): If you qualify for premium-free Part A, you don’t need to renew—it stays active for life. However, if you pay a premium for Part A, you must continue making payments to keep your coverage active.
  • Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): Part B automatically renews unless you stop paying your premiums or actively cancel it.
  • Medigap (Medicare Supplement Plans): As long as you continue paying premiums, Medigap policies renew yearly. However, premiums may increase annually, so reviewing costs is important.

Even if your plan renews automatically, it’s a good idea to review changes to benefits, costs, and provider networks every year.

When You Need to Take Action

Not all Medicare plans renew without your input. You may need to actively review and renew your plan if:

  • You have Medicare Advantage (Part C): Private insurers adjust plan benefits, provider networks, and costs annually. If your plan changes or is discontinued, you will receive a non-renewal notice by October 2. If you don’t select a new plan, you may be reassigned or lose coverage.
  • You have Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Formularies (the list of covered drugs) and costs change each year. If your medications are no longer covered, switching plans may save you money.
  • You’ve missed premium payments: If you fail to pay your Medicare premiums, your coverage could be canceled. Some Medicare plans offer a grace period of up to 90 days before termination.

Checking your plan details annually can save you money and prevent coverage surprises.

Key Medicare Renewal Deadlines

Medicare allows plan changes only during specific enrollment periods. Knowing these deadlines helps you avoid coverage gaps.

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

This is the main period when most Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their plans.

  • Dates: October 15 – December 7
  • Who Can Make Changes: Medicare Advantage and Part D enrollees
  • What You Can Do:
    • Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or vice versa.
    • Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
    • Enroll in, change, or drop a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
    • Any changes you make will take effect on January 1 of the following year.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment

This period allows Medicare Advantage enrollees to switch plans or return to Original Medicare.

  • Dates: January 1 – March 31
  • Who Can Make Changes: Medicare Advantage enrollees
  • What You Can Do:
    • Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another (only once during this period).
    • Drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare (you may not be able to buy a Medigap policy unless you qualify for guaranteed issue rights).

General Enrollment Period

For those who missed their initial enrollment, this is the opportunity to sign up for Medicare coverage.

  • Dates: January 1 – March 31
  • Who Can Make Changes: People who missed signing up for Medicare Part A or Part B when first eligible
  • What You Can Do:
    • Enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Part B.
    • Late enrollment penalties may apply.
    • Coverage now starts the month after you enroll (not July 1 as it did before 2023).

Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)

Special Enrollment Periods allow changes outside of standard deadlines due to qualifying life events.

  • Who Can Make Changes: People experiencing a major life change
  • Common Qualifying Events:
    • Moving to a new state or service area.
    • Losing employer-sponsored health coverage.
    • Becoming eligible for Medicaid or Extra Help.
    • Medicare does not automatically notify individuals about SEP eligibility—you must contact Medicare or your plan provider to apply.

How to Renew or Change Your Medicare Plan

Understanding how to update or confirm your Medicare coverage can help prevent last-minute issues.

Online Renewal and Plan Changes

  • Log in to Medicare.gov and use the Medicare Plan Finder Tool to compare coverage options.
  • If switching plans, enroll in the new plan before canceling your old one to avoid gaps.

Phone or In-Person Assistance

  • Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for guidance.
  • Contact a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free counseling.
  • Speak with a licensed Medicare insurance agent for personalized recommendations.

Common Medicare Renewal Mistakes to Avoid

Many people miss important details when renewing their Medicare coverage. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure continuous and affordable healthcare.

Failing to Review Plan Changes

Even if your plan renews automatically, coverage details may change. Reviewing your plan each year can help you avoid unexpected costs.

  • Medicare Advantage and Part D plans update their benefits and costs annually.
  • Drug formularies change, meaning your medications may no longer be covered.
  • Provider networks shift, so your preferred doctor may no longer accept your plan.

Missing Enrollment Deadlines

If you miss your renewal window, you could be stuck with a plan that no longer meets your needs or lose coverage altogether.

  • The Annual Enrollment Period is the best time to switch plans.
  • Late enrollment penalties apply for Part B and Part D if you delay signing up.
  • If your plan is discontinued, you must select a new one before December 7—or use a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) until February 28 to avoid a lapse in coverage.

Not Comparing Plan Options

Staying with the same plan every year may not be the best choice.

  • Medicare plans change annually, and new options may offer better coverage or lower costs.
  • Comparing at least three plans can help ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Medicare plan after the deadline?

In most cases, no. However, if your plan is discontinued or you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you may be eligible to switch.

What happens if I don’t renew my Medicare plan?

If your plan automatically renews, coverage continues.

  • If your plan is discontinued, you must select a new one to avoid losing coverage.
  • If you miss a premium payment, grace periods may apply before cancellation.

Conclusion

Reviewing and renewing your Medicare plan on time helps ensure that you maintain access to quality healthcare while avoiding unnecessary costs. By comparing different options each year, you can find a plan that best meets your needs and budget. Taking proactive steps now will help you secure the best coverage for the upcoming year.