The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP): January 1 – March 31

If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, you have more flexibility than original Medicare beneficiaries after December 7.

Each year, Medicare offers a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) from January 1 to March 31. During this time, you may:

• Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
• Return to original Medicare
• Enroll in a standalone Part D prescription drug plan if you return to original Medicare

You cannot, however, join a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time if you were not already in one—this window is only for people currently enrolled in a Part C plan. But for those individuals, MA OEP provides a second opportunity to correct an unsatisfactory plan choice or adjust coverage for the new year.