Enrollment
Disenrollment
Quick answer
Disenrollment is the process of leaving a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. You disenroll by joining a different plan or by contacting Medicare/1-800-MEDICARE.
Plain-English definition
Disenrollment is only allowed during specific windows: AEP, OEP (for MA members), or a qualifying SEP.
Why it matters
You can't be without Part D drug coverage without risking a penalty later.
A simple example
You use AEP to disenroll from an MA plan and return to Original Medicare + a PDP.
Common mistakes & misconceptions
Related terms
Annual Election Period (AEP)
The Annual Election Period (AEP) runs October 15 – December 7 each year. During AEP anyone with Medicare can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. Changes take effect January 1.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP)
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) runs January 1 – March 31. If you're already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different MA plan once or go back to Original Medicare (and add a PDP).
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is a window outside the standard windows when you can join, switch, or drop a plan. SEPs are triggered by qualifying life events like moving, losing employer coverage, or becoming eligible for Medicaid.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drop a plan any time?+
Only during an eligible window.
Sources & references
📚 Where this information comes from
- Medicare.gov — official U.S. government site for people with Medicare ↗Primary source for benefits, enrollment periods, and plan comparison.
- CMS.gov — Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ↗Federal rulemaking, program updates, and official guidance.
- Social Security Administration — Medicare enrollment & premiums ↗Enrollment, premium withholding, and IRMAA determinations.
When you're ready, compare plans on your own terms
See Medicare Advantage plans from the insurance companies we represent, or walk the course with a licensed agent whenever you'd like a second set of eyes.
We help compare Medicare Advantage plans from the insurance companies we represent, and we don't offer every plan available in your area.
Medicare Caddies is an independent insurance agency. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the U.S. government, the federal Medicare program, or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). We help compare Medicare Advantage plans from the insurance companies we represent, and we don't offer every plan available in your area.