The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) gives individuals already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan a limited opportunity to make a one-time change at the start of the year.
If you’re currently in a Medicare Advantage plan and your coverage isn’t meeting your needs, this enrollment window may allow you to make a critical adjustment — but only between January 1 and March 31.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Dates
January 1 – March 31 (each year)
Changes made during this period generally take effect on the first day of the month after the plan receives your enrollment request.
What Is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?
The MA OEP is different from the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15–Dec. 7). It is designed specifically for people who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
During the MA OEP, you may:
Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
Drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)
Enroll in a stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan if you return to Original Medicare
🚫 You cannot:
Switch from Original Medicare into a Medicare Advantage plan
Make multiple plan changes (only one change is allowed)
⚠️ Why the MA OEP Is So Important
Many beneficiaries discover in January that their Medicare Advantage plan:
Changed provider networks
No longer covers key prescriptions
Has higher copays or out-of-pocket costs
Doesn’t include expected benefits
The MA OEP allows you to fix these issues early in the year — before costs and frustrations add up.
💊 Prescription Drug Coverage During MA OEP
If your current Medicare Advantage plan no longer covers your prescriptions affordably, the MA OEP allows you to:
Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan with better drug coverage
Return to Original Medicare and enroll in a Part D plan that better fits your medications
This is especially important if you take maintenance or specialty medications.
🩺 Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare
If your Medicare Advantage plan isn’t a good fit, MA OEP gives you the opportunity to return to Original Medicare.
When switching back, you should understand:
Original Medicare does not include drug coverage — Part D is separate
Medigap plans may require medical underwriting outside your initial eligibility window
Out-of-pocket costs may differ significantly
An experienced Medicare advisor can help you evaluate these options carefully.
🚨 What Happens If You Miss the MA OEP Deadline?
If you miss the March 31 deadline, you’ll typically need to remain in your Medicare Advantage plan for the rest of the year unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
This makes it critical to act early if your plan isn’t working for you.
✅ Next Steps: What You Should Do Now
If you’re enrolled in Medicare Advantage, take these steps during the MA OEP:
Review your current plan’s costs and benefits
Confirm your doctors and prescriptions are covered
Compare available Medicare Advantage options
Get expert guidance before making your one allowed change
📞 Get Help from Owen Insurance Group
📅 Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment runs January 1–March 31
⏰ You only get one opportunity to change plans
👉 Contact Owen Insurance Group today if you have any questions.