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Learn more about the Open Enrollment Period with SelectQuote.

Are you new to Original Medicare, aging into Original Medicare, lost your health insurance, or on Original Medicare but recently moved? We can help you better understand your Medicare Advantage plan options and find coverage that’s right for you.

Understanding the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP)

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) runs each year from January 1 to March 31. Read on the learn more about the actions eligible Medicare Advantage beneficiaries can take during this time.

What is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) occurs each year and offers eligible Medicare Advantage plan beneficiaries the opportunity to make a one-time change to their plan.

Medicare OEP Dates You Should Know

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 to March 31 each year. The next available enrollment period—aside from qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP)—for beneficiaries with a Medicare Advantage plan would be the Annual Enrollment Period, which doesn't start until October 15 and runs through December 7.

How is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) different?

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) and the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) are two opportunities for beneficiaries to make changes to their coverage, but they serve different purposes. AEP runs from October 15 to December 7 and is open to all Medicare beneficiaries. During this time, anyone can enroll in, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. For example, a person with Original Medicare can switch to a Medicare Advantage plan, or someone with a Medicare Advantage plan can switch to a different one or return to Original Medicare.

OEP, on the other hand, is a more limited period from January 1 to March 31 and is exclusively for those already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. The actions you can take are much more restricted; you can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another or disenroll from a Medicare Advantage plan to return to Original Medicare, and if you do the latter, you can also join a standalone Part D plan. The OEP does not allow people with Original Medicare to switch to a Medicare Advantage plan.

Actions You Can Take During Medicare OEP

During OEP, Medicare Advantage plan beneficiaries can:

Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan
Drop a Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B)
Sign up for a stand-alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plan, if electing to return to an Original Medicare plan (Parts A and B)

Actions You Cannot Take During OEP

The Medicare Advantage OEP is only accessible to beneficiaries who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. During OEP, Original Medicare policyholders cannot:

Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan
Join a Medicare Prescription Drug plan (Part D)
Switch Medicare Prescription Drug plans

The time allotted to change the above three scenarios occurs during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, which runs each year from October 15 through December 7.

For information on other types of Medicare Enrollment Periods, click on the links below:

Key Considerations for Open Enrollment Period

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is a time for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries to reassess their healthcare coverage and ensure their plan still meets their needs. Taking advantage of the OEP allows beneficiaries to make a more informed choice and avoid being locked into an unsuitable plan for the remainder of the year.

Your Healthcare Needs May Change

Your health is not static, and neither are your healthcare needs. A Medicare Advantage plan that was a great fit last year might not be the best option for you now. Perhaps you've developed a new health condition that requires more frequent doctor visits or specialized care, or maybe you've been prescribed a new medication. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) from January 1 to March 31 provides an opportunity to review your current plan and compare it with others to ensure your coverage aligns with your current health needs.

Your Plan’s Benefits May Change

Private insurance companies that offer Medicare Advantage plans can change their plan benefits, costs, and provider networks on an annual basis. While they are required to notify you of these changes in the fall, it can be easy to overlook or misunderstand the implications. During the OEP, it's wise to re-evaluate your plan's details, even if you are satisfied with it. A plan that was perfect for you last year might now have a different formulary (the list of covered drugs), increased copays for certain services, or a revised network of doctors and hospitals. The OEP gives you a chance to ensure your plan still offers the best value and coverage for your unique situation.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Prepare for Your OEP

Preparation is key to making sure your next OEP goes smoothly. Here are just some of the steps you can take.

Review Your Current Coverage: Check if your current Medicare Advantage plan still meets your healthcare needs, including doctor networks, medications, and out-of-pocket costs.
Evaluate Your Health Needs: Consider any changes in your health, like new prescriptions or upcoming medical procedures, to ensure your plan will cover these needs.
Compare Plan Options: It can be helpful to work with a partner like SelectQuote, where a licensed insurance agent can help you understand your enrollment eligibility and review Medicare Advantage plans that may be available in your area.
Check Prescription Drug Coverage: Review the formulary for your current plan and any prospective plans, if applicable, to understand how costs may change for specific drugs.

Medicare Open Enrollment Period FAQs

Can you change Medicare plans after open enrollment?

Generally, you cannot make changes to your Medicare plan outside of the Open Enrollment Period unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). SEPs are granted based on certain life events, such as being newly eligible for Original Medicare, moving to a new area, or losing other health coverage.

When is open enrollment for Medicare Part B?

Your first chance to sign up for Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is called the Initial Enrollment Period, which starts three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after you turn 65. If you miss your initial enrollment period when you first become eligible for Original Medicare, you can only sign up for Part A and/or Part B during the General Enrollment Period, which runs from January 1 to March 31 each year.

How long is open enrollment for Medicare Supplement Insurance plans?

The Open Enrollment Period for Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies is six months long. It begins the first month you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this time, you have guaranteed issue rights, meaning insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge you more due to pre-existing conditions.

What is Medicare’s open enrollment phone number?

You can call Medicare’s official phone number at 1-800-633-4227 for assistance with Open Enrollment and any other Medicare-related questions. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

Do I have to change plans during the Open Enrollment Period?

No, you are not required to change your Medicare plan during the Open Enrollment Period. The period simply provides an opportunity to review your options and make changes if you feel a different plan would better suit your needs.

How SelectQuote Helps You Navigate the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

You may be eligible for a free Medicare Advantage plan review with a SelectQuote licensed insurance agent, with no obligation to enroll or make changes to your existing plan. We’ll independently shop recognized insurance companies to help you review Medicare Advantage plans available to you, helping you find the right coverage for your needs.

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