Medicare question
What Can You Change During the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January to March)?
During the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, a person already enrolled in Medicare Advantage may make one permitted change. The period runs from January 1 through March 31, and the allowed actions are narrower than during the fall Annual Enrollment Period.
Where this answer comes from, and what it can't tell you
Written from the published Medicare rules and the source material preserved for this question. It explains the topic in general terms. It is not a reading of your own coverage documents, not a prediction of how Medicare or a plan will decide a case, and not advice about a particular plan. Your current notice, policy, Evidence of Coverage, or formulary controls when it differs from a general explanation. Resting Sycamore is not Medicare.gov and is not endorsed by any government agency.
What Changes Can You Make During MA OEP?
During this three-month window, you have the opportunity to switch plans or leave a Medicare Advantage plan altogether. Here are some specific actions you can take:
You cannot use the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period to switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage. That change may be available during the yearly Medicare Open Enrollment Period or another enrollment period for which you qualify. Check the current Medicare enrollment rules before submitting a change.
2. Move from One Medicare Advantage Plan to Another: You might want to change plans if you find that your current one isn't meeting your healthcare requirements or if a different plan has more competitive prices or benefits.
3. Leave a Medicare Advantage Plan and Return to Original Medicare: If you're not satisfied with the coverage or services provided by your MA plan, this period allows you to go back to Original Medicare.
If you are already in a Medicare Advantage plan and meet a Special Needs Plan's eligibility rules, a switch to that plan may be available as your one change during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. Eligibility for the plan still has to be established. Someone in Original Medicare cannot use this period by itself to join Medicare Advantage.
What Can't You Change During MA OEP?
While there's a lot you can do during this period, some changes aren’t possible:
Medigap: You cannot use Medigap with Medicare Advantage. If you use this period to return to Original Medicare, you may apply for Medigap, but approval can depend on a trial right, another guaranteed-issue right, medical underwriting, and state law.
Prescription drug coverage: Part D is optional coverage offered by private plans, not part of Original Medicare itself. If you leave Medicare Advantage for Original Medicare during this period, you can join a separate Part D plan.
How Can You Make Changes During MA OEP?
Making changes requires some steps:
1. Review Your Current Plan: Look at what your current plan covers and any gaps or issues that might affect your health care needs.
2. Explore Available Plans: Research other Medicare Advantage plans available in your area by visiting the Medicare website, calling 1-800-MEDICARE, or contacting a local insurance agent.
3. Compare Benefits and Costs: Make sure to compare the benefits of each plan you're considering. Check for differences in premiums, deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums.
4. Enroll in Your New Plan: Once you’ve decided on a new plan, enroll either online through Medicare’s website or by contacting your insurance provider directly.
5. Review Your Coverage Changes: After making changes, review your new coverage details to ensure everything is as expected. Make sure your doctor and pharmacy are still in the network of your new plan.
What Happens If You Miss MA OEP?
If you miss this period, you will have to wait until the next enrollment period, which usually starts on October 15 and runs through December 7 for changes effective January 1. However, there may be other special circumstances where you can make changes outside these periods:
Current Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: From January 1 through March 31, a person already in Medicare Advantage may make one change, either switching to another Medicare Advantage plan or returning to Original Medicare and joining a separate Part D plan if needed.
Special Enrollment Periods (SEP): If you experience certain life events like moving to a new area or losing other health coverage, you may qualify for an SEP.
How Can You Confirm a Change Made During MA OEP?
From January 1 through March 31, a person already enrolled in Medicare Advantage can make one change: switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or leave Medicare Advantage for Original Medicare and, if needed, join a separate Part D plan. The period does not allow a person in Original Medicare to join Medicare Advantage. The new coverage generally begins the first day of the month after the plan receives the request. Confirm the change and effective date in the enrollment notice.
Where should you look next?
What else do people ask about changes Can You Make During MA OEP?
- Can You Switch Medicare Plans? When You Can Change, What It Costs, and What to Watch For?
- What Should You Compare Before Switching Medicare Plans? A Practical Checklist?
- Can You Switch Part D Plans? How Changing Drug Coverage Works?
- What Can You Change During the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?
- Can You Switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare and Buy a Supplement?
- How Do HMO and PPO Medicare Advantage Plans Differ in Flexibility?
A licensed agent — not a call center
Check whether your doctors and drugs fit before you enroll
Peter Abilla, Licensed Medicare Insurance Sales Agent, NPN 22265186. Licensed in Alabama, California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Michigan, and Illinois. You reach the same person every call — no transfer queue.