Do you need to renew Medicare every year?

Original Medicare (Parts A and B)

If you’re enrolled in Original Medicare, you don’t need to renew each year. Just continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium every month to stay covered ($185 in  2025). If you’re required to pay a Medicare Part A or Part B premium, you must continue to do so to stay covered by Original Medicare. Some people choose to have their Medicare premiums automatically deducted from their Social Security benefits so they never miss a payment.

Medicare Advantage plans (Part C)

Medicare Advantage plans also renew automatically each year unless:

• Medicare cancels its contract with the plan, or
• Your insurance company stops offering the plan

If your plan is no longer available, you have options. You may qualify for a Special Election Period so you can enroll in a new plan with no break in your coverage.

Medicare prescription drug plans (Part D)

Similar to Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Part D plans will renew automatically unless the plan is terminated either by Medicare or the insurer.

Medicare Supplement insurance (Medigap) plans

Medigap policies are guaranteed renewable as long as the premium is paid.

If you have a Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plan and there are any changes to your plan from 1 year to the next, your plan provider will send you an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). You should receive this in the fall before the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) begins on Oct. 15.

The ANOC is a helpful tool that lists any changes in coverage, costs or other features that will go into effect in the coming plan year. If there are no changes to your coverage, no ANOC will be issued.

Even if there are no changes to your plan, it’s always a good idea to review your coverage each year to make sure it still meets your needs. 

What should you do if you receive a non-renewal notice?

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan and your current plan is leaving the Medicare program, a non-renewal notice will be sent to you. 

You can shop and choose a new plan on your own or, if you do nothing, Medicare will enroll you in a new plan so that you’ll still have coverage in the coming year.

Understanding Medicare Advantage and PDP enrollment periods 

You can join, switch or change MA or PDP plans during specific enrollment periods throughout the year. Here are some details about the most common enrollment periods: 

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

The IEP is your first chance to sign up for Medicare. Once you become eligible, you have these 7 months to enroll:

• 3 months before the month you turn 65
• The month you turn 65
• 3 months after the month you turn 65

For more information, read these tips for signing up for Medicare for the first time.

Annual Enrollment Period (also known as “Open Enrollment”)

The Open Enrollment Period runs from Oct. 15 – Dec. 7 each year. You can join, switch or change Medicare health and drug plans. Your coverage will begin on Jan. 1 (as long as the plan gets your request by Dec. 7).

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP)

If you already have a Medicare Advantage plan, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is when you can enroll in another Medicare Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare. Enrollment is from Jan. 1—March 31. However, you can only make 1 change within the period, and other rules apply as well.

To learn more, go to our Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period page.

Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

If you need to enroll in Medicare Advantage or change your plan outside of the usual Medicare enrollment periods, a Special Election Period (SEP) could be the answer. For information on eligibility, visit our Special Enrollment Period page.

Why you should review your Medicare plan each year

Although most Medicare plans renew automatically, your healthcare needs, your financial situation, even the plans available to you may change from year to year. Every fall, take some time to review your Medicare coverage to make sure it still meets your needs.