Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: What You Can Change

Overview

If you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and it is not meeting your needs, you may still have options. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period allows eligible beneficiaries to make a one-time change after the year begins.

This enrollment period runs from January 1 through March 31 and is only available to people currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. Below, we explain how it works, what changes you can make, and whether switching plans or returning to Original Medicare makes sense for you.

What Is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) is a federally regulated enrollment window that allows certain Medicare beneficiaries to make one coverage change early in the year.

Unlike Fall Open Enrollment, which runs from October 15 through December 7, this period is only for people who are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. If you have Original Medicare only, this enrollment period does not apply to you.

During Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment, you can:

• Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, with or without prescription drug coverage

• Drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)

• Enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan if you return to Original Medicare

Important: You are allowed to make only one change during this period. Once your new coverage begins, you generally cannot make additional changes unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

When Does Coverage Start?

Timing is an important part of making a Medicare coverage change.

• Coverage begins on the first day of the month after the plan receives your enrollment request

For example:

• If your new plan receives your request on February 10

• Your new coverage starts March 1

This structure helps ensure continuous coverage without a gap.

What You Cannot Do During the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

While the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period can be helpful, it does have limits.

You cannot:

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan

• Make more than one plan change during this period

• Enroll in or change a Medicare Supplement plan solely because of this enrollment window

Medicare Supplement enrollment rules are separate from Medicare Advantage rules and may vary by state.

Comparing Your Options During Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment

Should You Switch Medicare Advantage Plans?

Switching to another Medicare Advantage plan may be a good option if:

• Your doctors or hospitals are no longer in the plan’s network

• Your prescription drug costs increased

• Your plan’s benefits changed at the beginning of the year

• You moved or your service area changed

Should You Return to Original Medicare?

Some beneficiaries use the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period to leave Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare.

You might consider this option if:

• You want the flexibility to see any provider who accepts Medicare

• You travel frequently or live in more than one state

• You are comfortable managing separate Part D prescription drug coverage

Tip: If you go back to Original Medicare, you can also add a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan. However, unless you are still within your six-month Medicare Supplement Enrollment Period, insurance companies will usually require you to answer medical questions to qualify for coverage. Acceptance is not guaranteed.

Medigap underwriting rules and consumer protections vary by state.

Common Misconceptions About Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment

“I can change plans multiple times.”
No. You are allowed only one plan change during this enrollment period.

“This is the same as Fall Open Enrollment.”
No. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is more limited and only applies to current Medicare Advantage members.

“Switching plans will leave me without coverage.”
As long as your enrollment request is submitted correctly, coverage transitions smoothly with no gap.

Quick FAQ: Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment

Can I drop my Medicare Advantage plan in February?
Yes. If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can drop it and return to Original Medicare between January 1 and March 31.

Can I add drug coverage if I leave Medicare Advantage?
Yes. You may enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.

When do changes take effect?
Coverage starts on the first day of the month after your new plan receives your request.

How to Make the Most of This Enrollment Window

To use the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period effectively:

1. Review your current plan’s provider network, costs, and drug coverage

2. Compare available Medicare Advantage plans in your area

3. Confirm that your doctors and prescriptions are covered

4. Submit your enrollment request before March 31

You can explore plan options online through Healthcare.com, our parent company, or speak with a licensed insurance agent who can explain your options and help ensure your enrollment is handled correctly.

Final Thoughts: Act Before March 31

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period offers a limited but valuable opportunity to make a change if your current plan no longer meets your needs. Whether you switch Medicare Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare, taking action before March 31 can help you secure coverage that better fits your healthcare priorities for the rest of the year.