Summary: The Open Enrollment Period for Medicare Advantage plans runs annually from January 1st to March 31st. During this time, Medicare Advantage plan holders can make a single change to their coverage. This change can include switching plans or disenrolling from Medicare Advantage to return to Original Medicare. Estimated Read Time: 4 min
What is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is a three-month enrollment period that occurs annually. This enrollment period allows Medicare Advantage policyholders to make a one-time change to their Medicare Advantage coverage.
If you are unsatisfied with your Medicare Advantage plan, this enrollment period allows you to make necessary changes. You have the freedom to disenroll from your Medicare Advantage plan and enroll in a new one or return to Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B).
This enrollment period is for Medicare beneficiaries who are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. If you are not currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you will need to wait until the Annual Enrollment Period to enroll in a plan (unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period).
When is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period in 2024?
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period occurs annually, beginning on January 1st and ending on March 31st.
What Changes Can I Make During the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?
Unlike the Annual Enrollment Period in the fall, you can only make one change to your coverage during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period.
During the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period you can switch to another Medicare Advantage plan (with or without drug coverage).
Regardless of whether your current Medicare Advantage plan includes drug coverage, you’ll have the option to switch to a plan with or without drug coverage. Your plan changes will become effective on the first day of the following month. As an example, if you choose to change your Medicare Advantage plan in February, your new plan coverage will begin March 1st.
During the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period you can disenroll from Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare.
If you disenroll from your Medicare Advantage plan during the MAOEP and return to Original Medicare, you will be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan.
During the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, you cannot make the following changes:
- Enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time
- Change your Medicare Part D plan (if you’re on Original Medicare)
- Join a Medicare Part D plan for the first time (if you’re on Original Medicare)
If you receive your coverage through Original Medicare, you cannot make any changes to your coverage during the Medicare Advantage OEP. This period is exclusively for beneficiaries who are already enrolled in an MA plan.
If you want to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time, you cannot do so during the MAOEP. You will need to wait until the Annual Enrollment Period to enroll unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
What Happens if I Miss the Open Enrollment Period for Medicare Advantage Plans?
Missing the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period means you may be stuck with your current Medicare Advantage plan for a calendar year. You will also have to wait until the Annual Enrollment Period if you want to disenroll from your plan and return to Original Medicare. This can have a significant impact if you are dissatisfied with your current plan.
If you do happen to miss the MAOEP, you may still have an opportunity to change plans before the AEP if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
How You Can Prepare for the MAOEP
The best way to ensure you don’t miss the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is by being prepared.
- First, mark your calendar. The MAOEP runs from January 1st to March 31st every year. Whether you use a paper calendar or an app on your smartphone, marking the dates will help ensure you don’t miss it.
- Review your plan information including benefits, network, and costs. It’s helpful to get in the habit of reviewing your plan annually. This will help you determine whether you’re happy with your coverage or if you want to explore other coverage options.
- If you decide you want to switch your Medicare Advantage plan, then start comparing plans that are available in your area. Consider what you don’t like about your current plan and search for plans that fulfill your needs.
- If you decide you want to switch back to Original Medicare, start comparing Medicare Part D plans. You’ll want to ensure you have drug coverage, so you don’t incur a late enrollment penalty later.
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is an opportunity to ensure you are satisfied with your coverage. If you have questions about what you can and cannot do during the MAOEP, you can speak with one of our licensed insurance agents by calling the number above.
Sources
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment, Medicare. Accessed April 2022.
https://www.medicare.gov/blog/medicare-advantage-open-enrollment
When is the Open Enrollment Period for Medicare, KFF. Accessed April 2022.
MA Enrollment and Disenrollment, CMS. Accessed April 2022.
