Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
A January 1 to March 31 window when Medicare Advantage members can switch plans or go back to Original Medicare.
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) runs every year from January 1 through March 31. It is open only to people already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan as of January 1. During this window, an MA member can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan (with or without prescription drug coverage) or drop Medicare Advantage entirely and return to Original Medicare — and pick up a stand-alone Part D drug plan when doing so. Each MA member can make one change during this period. New coverage starts the first day of the month after the change is made. The MA OEP does not let people enroll in Medicare Advantage for the first time, switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or change stand-alone Part D plans. Those changes wait for the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) in the fall, or a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if a qualifying life event happens.
In real life
- A new MA enrollee dislikes her plan's network in February and switches to a different MA plan effective March 1.
- An MA member returns to Original Medicare and joins a stand-alone Part D plan during MA OEP.
- A snowbird leaves a regional MA plan for a national plan during MA OEP.
Also known as
Frequently asked questions about Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
Who can use the MA OEP?+
Only people already enrolled in Medicare Advantage as of January 1.
How many changes can I make?+
One change. After that, you wait for AEP or a Special Enrollment Period.
Can I switch from Original Medicare to MA during this period?+
No. Use the AEP or a Special Enrollment Period.
When does new coverage start?+
The first day of the month after the change is made.
Source: medicare.gov