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.
