Lawrence, KS · Annual Review
Switching Or Reviewing Your Medicare Plan In Lawrence
When you can change, why you might want to, and how to evaluate your options.
(785) 843-0288Medicare information reviewed and updated July 2026 · 2026 Part B premium: $202.90/month
When You Can Switch
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
Oct 15 - Dec 7. Open to all Medicare beneficiaries. Switch MA plans, switch Part D plans, change between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (MA OEP)
Jan 1 - Mar 31. For MA members only. One change permitted: switch to a different MA plan or back to Original Medicare with stand-alone Part D.
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)
Triggered by qualifying life events: moving, losing employer coverage, plan termination, qualifying for Extra Help, and others. Timing depends on the event.
Medigap Open Enrollment / Guaranteed Issue
Initial 6-month window starts when you're 65 AND on Part B. Outside of that, certain situations grant Guaranteed Issue rights for specific Medigap plans.
Signs You Should Review Your Current Plan
- Your medications changed or new prescriptions were added
- Your preferred pharmacy changed
- Your doctors changed or you have new specialists
- Your plan's premium increased significantly
- One of your drugs moved to a higher tier or was removed from the formulary
- You moved or are planning to move
- Your health needs changed (new chronic condition, recovery from surgery, etc.)
- Your plan's network changed and a key doctor or hospital is no longer included
The Annual Notice Of Change (ANOC)
Every Medicare Advantage and Part D plan must send an ANOC by September 30 each year. It's the most important Medicare mail you'll receive all year.
- Premium changes for the next plan year
- Deductible and copay changes
- Network changes (added or removed providers)
- Formulary changes (drugs added, removed, tier changes)
- Benefit changes (extras added or reduced)
Read it. Mark anything that affects you. That list becomes your starting point for AEP review.
What To Compare When Switching
Benefits side-by-side
What does each plan cover? What extras (if any)? Match against what you actually use.
Network coverage
Are your specific doctors and hospitals in-network for the new plan? Call to verify.
Drug formularies
Run your medication list through each plan's formulary. Note tier and any restrictions like prior authorization.
Total estimated annual cost
Premium plus deductible plus expected copays for your typical year. Lower premium doesn't always mean lower total cost.
The Switch Process
- Compare plans during your eligible enrollment period
- Enroll in your new plan. The old plan ends automatically when the new one begins.
- Keep documentation of the overlap period (confirmation letters, ID cards)
- Verify coverage at first medical visit and first pharmacy fill of the new year
Medigap Switching Notes
- Medigap is different from Medicare Advantage and Part D. Switching usually requires medical underwriting.
- Some states have "Birthday Rule" laws (Kansas does not, as of this writing)
- If you've held the same Medigap plan for years and your health has remained stable, you may still pass underwriting and find a better-priced plan
- A licensed agent can pre-screen carriers before you commit to an application
Adam's Annual Review Process
The Four Pillar Review applies every year. Doctors, prescriptions, budget, lifestyle: what changed, what stayed the same, and whether your current plan still fits.
(785) 843-0288Frequently Asked Questions
When can I switch my Medicare plan?
Annual Enrollment (Oct 15 - Dec 7), Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (Jan 1 - Mar 31, MA only), or during a Special Enrollment Period if you qualify.
Will switching plans affect my Medicare coverage?
No. You're still in Medicare. You're just changing how you receive benefits or which carrier administers them. Your Part A and Part B don't go away.
Can I switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare?
Yes, during AEP or MA OEP. However, switching back doesn't always give you a guaranteed right to buy Medigap, depending on the situation.
Is there a cost to switch plans?
No fees for switching during eligible enrollment periods. The new plan begins; the old plan ends automatically.
Can I switch Medigap plans without underwriting in Kansas?
Usually only during your initial 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment or under specific Guaranteed Issue situations. Outside those, carriers can ask health questions.
Adam
Licensed Kansas Agent · AHIP Certified
Lawrence native · Free State HS · BS Finance, KU
Talk With Adam. No Pressure, No Cost.
I grew up in Lawrence, graduated from Free State High School, and earned a BS in Finance from the University of Kansas. Most of the people I help are turning 65 or reviewing their current Medicare coverage.
No pressure, no sales pitch. Just clear answers when you're ready to talk.
(785) 843-0288