Changing Your Medicare

Open Enrollment Period

You can change any of your Medicare coverage during the open enrollment period every year. You can request changes from October 15th through December 7th, and those changes will be effective January 1st of the next year.  The Department of Aging and Youth offers free, individual counseling sessions all year long. To take advantage of these counseling services, please call the Department at 518-884-4100.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

People with Medicare Advantage plans can make changes to those plans from January through March of each year.  They can change from one Medicare Advantage plan to a different Medicare Advantage plan or to Original Medicare. They are allowed one change during this period of time which will be effective the first of the following month.

EPIC Members

EPIC members can change their Medicare Part D plan (either standalone Part D plan or Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage) one time during the year in addition to the above periods.

Medicare Advantage or Part D plans ending at the close of the year

If your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan is ending at the close of the year you have a Special Enrollment Period from December 8 through February 28 to change your Medicare health and drug coverage.  Changes will take effect in the month after you enroll.  If you do not make a decision by December 31, you will be enrolled in Original Medicare on January 1 until a new plan is effective.