Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA-OEP)

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA-OEP) occurs each year from January 1 through March 31. This enrollment window applies only to individuals who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.

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Who Can Use MA-OEP

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is available to individuals who are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan as of January 1. It does not apply to individuals enrolled solely in Original Medicare.

What Changes Can Be Made

During this period, eligible individuals may switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another or may leave a Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare. Individuals who return to Original Medicare may also enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D plan at that time.

Limitations

Only one change may be made during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. Once a change is made, it becomes effective on the first day of the following month. This period does not allow enrollment into a Medicare Advantage plan if an individual is currently enrolled in Original Medicare alone.

Distinction From AEP

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is separate from the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 through December 7). Unlike AEP, MA-OEP is limited to individuals already enrolled in Medicare Advantage and does not allow multiple plan changes.

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Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is based on publicly available guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). It has not been reviewed or endorsed by Medicare, CMS, or any federal agency. This content does not constitute plan-specific advice. For individual coverage questions, please consult a licensed insurance professional.