Understanding Medicare renewal

Medicare renewal

Typically, your Medicare plan automatically renews each year. But if you’re not satisfied with the plan you have, you can take steps to change your coverage. By understanding the renewal process and staying informed about changes to coverage, you can make sure you continue receiving the benefits you need.

• Original Medicare (Parts A and B) automatically renews every year. You do not need to re-enroll annually.
• Medicare Advantage plans and Part D drug plans also typically renew every year, as long as the plan is still being offered and you continue to pay required premiums.
• Even though renewal is automatic, it is important to review any changes in coverage, costs, or service areas for the upcoming year to make sure your plan still meets your needs.
• If your plan is discontinued or you want to change to a different plan, you have the option to switch during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.

How the Medicare renewal process works

In most cases, Medicare coverage renews automatically each year unless you decide to make a change. This means you usually do not need to sign up again to keep your coverage.

However, how renewal works depends on the type of Medicare coverage you have.

If you are happy with your plan, you can stay in it without doing anything. You can also switch plans during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 – Dec. 7) if your current plan no longer fits your needs and you want different coverage.

	Renews:	Next steps:
Original Medicare (Part A & Part B)	Automatically	You only need to take action if you have delayed enrolling in Part B and now want it, or you want to join a Medicare Advantage or drug plan.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)	Automatically	Each fall, your plan will send you a notice that explains any changes for next year. This may include changes to monthly premium, copays, in-network doctors, prescription drug coverage, and extra benefits. If you are happy with your plan, you can stay in it without doing anything. You can also switch plans during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 – Dec. 7) if your current plan no longer fits your needs and you want different coverage.
Part D (prescription drug plans)	Automatically	Your plan may change which drugs are covered, pharmacy networks, premium costs, and copays, so it’s a good idea to check your plan each year to make sure your drugs are still covered and the plan still fits your needs.
Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance)	Automatically with premium payment	Your monthly costs may go up over time. You may have to answer health questions if you want to switch Medigap plans later.

Does Medicare renew automatically?

For most people, Medicare renews automatically. If you have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), you don’t need to re-enroll every year. Medicare Advantage plans (Part C), Part D plans, and Medigap plans renew automatically as long as you keep paying your premiums. This helps prevent gaps in coverage. Unless you want to make changes to your plan, you will not need to do anything.

Important Medicare renewal considerations

While Medicare usually renews automatically, there are times when you may need to take action to renew your coverage. Here are some common situations where you need to check your plan:

• If your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan is discontinued, you will need to choose a new plan.
• If your health care needs change, you will need to review your plan to make sure it still fits your health needs.
• If you move to a new area, your current plan may not be covered in your new location.
• If you want different coverage, you can change plans during AEP.
• If your plan’s costs increase, you can look for a plan that better fits your financial needs during AEP.

Do Medicare Parts A and B automatically renew?

Yes, Medicare Parts A and B automatically renew each year. Once you are enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B), you do not need to re-enroll annually. Your coverage continues as long as you continue to meet eligibility requirements and pay any necessary premiums. The Part A premium is free if you or your spouse worked at least 10 years and paid Medicare taxes. Part B has a monthly premium.

Do Medicare Advantage plans automatically renew?

Yes, Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) automatically renew each year as long as the plan is still being offered and you continue to pay any required premiums. It is important to review plan details annually because benefits, costs, and provider networks can change. If your plan is no longer available, you may qualify for a Special Election Period. If you are not satisfied with changes to your plan, you can switch plans during AEP.

Does Medicare Part D automatically renew?

Yes. Like Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plans renew each year if the plan is still being offered and you continue to pay any required premiums. However, it is important to review your plan each year because benefits, costs, and the list of covered drugs may change. You can change to a different Part D plan during AEP.

Do Medigap plans automatically renew?

Yes, Medigap plans (Medicare Supplement Insurance) automatically renew each year if you continue to pay the premiums. Once you are enrolled in a Medigap plan, you do not need to re-enroll annually. However, it is still important to review your plan periodically to make sure it still meets your health and financial needs. 

Understanding the Annual Notice of Change

The Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) is a document sent to Medicare Advantage and Part D plan members every September. It explains any changes for the upcoming year to the plan’s cost, benefits, formulary (drug list), and coverage as well as a new in-network provider list. Reviewing your ANOC helps you understand how your plan may change. You should decide if it still meets your needs before AEP starts on Oct. 15.

Do you have to renew Medicare every year?

No, you do not have to renew your Medicare plan each year. The decision to renew or change plans is up to you. You will want to check whether your current plan still fits your needs. If you are satisfied with your current plan and you continue to pay any premiums, you don’t need to do anything. However, if you want to find different coverage options, you can make changes during Annual Enrollment Period (AEP).

 During AEP, you can:

• Change from Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) to Medicare Advantage plan (Part C).
• Change from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare.
• Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
• Enroll in or drop a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.

For more information about enrollment timelines, visit our page on when to enroll.

How to renew your current Medicare coverage

If you are happy with your current Medicare plan after reviewing the ANOC, you don’t need to do anything. Your plan is automatically renewed for the next year. This means you will keep your current coverage without having to re-enroll or risk a gap in coverage.

What to consider when looking at new Medicare plan options

When looking at new Medicare plan options, consider these factors to help you choose the best plan for your needs:

1. Coverage needs. Think about what medical services you use often. Make sure the plan covers your doctors, hospitals, and any treatments or medications you need.
2. Costs. Compare the costs—including premiums, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Choose a plan that fits your budget and the best value for the care you need.
3. Prescription drugs. If you take any medications, make sure the plan covers them. Check the plan's formulary and see if your prescriptions are included and what they will cost.
4. Network restrictions. Make sure your preferred providers are in the plan’s network to avoid higher out-of-pocket costs.
5. Additional benefits. Some plans offer extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, or wellness programs. Consider if these additional benefits are important to you and if the plan provides them.
6. Customer service. Look at reviews and ratings for the plan’s customer service. Good customer service can make a big difference if you need help with claims or have questions about your coverage.

Frequently asked questions about Medicare renewal

What happens if my Medicare plan is discontinued?

If your plan is discontinued, you will receive a written notice before your plan ends. The notice will explain your next steps and important deadlines. You will qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, which allows you to choose a new Medicare Advantage or Part D plan without waiting for the Annual Enrollment Period. If you do not choose a new plan, you may be returned to Original Medicare.

Will my Medicare costs change when my plan renews?

Your plan renews automatically each year, but your costs can change. For Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, premiums, copays, deductibles, and drug coverage may be updated for the new year. Each fall, your plan will send you an Annual Notice of Change that explains any updates. If you have Original Medicare or Medigap, your premiums may increase over time, but your core benefits generally stay the same.

Does moving to a new state affect Medicare renewal?

Moving can affect your coverage, depending on the type of Medicare plan you have. If you have Original Medicare, you can use it anywhere in the United States, so your coverage will not be interrupted. However, you will need to update your address with Social Security. If you have a Medigap plan, your policy is guaranteed renewable nationwide. You can generally keep your plan, but your premiums may change based on your new location. It’s important to update your address with your insurance company to ensure proper coverage and rate adjustments. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan or a Part D plan, moving out of your plan’s service area will require you to choose a new plan. You’ll qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to give you time to enroll in new coverage.