Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP)
What it is: A limited window for people already enrolled in Medicare Advantage to make a change early in the year.
Who it’s for: People who are in a Medicare Advantage plan as of January 1.
When it happens: January 1 to March 31 each year.
What you can do:
Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan.
Drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare (and usually add a Part D plan).
Big watch-out: MA OEP is usually limited to one change. If you return to Original Medicare, think ahead about drug coverage (Part D) and whether you want a Medigap policy—because Medigap underwriting rules may apply outside of protected windows.
Note:
Generally limited to one plan change during MA OEP; not available to people in Original Medicare only.
Time Period
Annual fixed-date window
Approx Time Frame
3 months
Trigger Event
Must already be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan