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Learn more about the Open Enrollment Period with SelectQuote.

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2026-2027 Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Guide and Dates

Are you looking for information on the 2026 Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period? Whether you are looking to make a change now or preparing for the 2027 season, understanding these dates is the best way to stay in control of your healthcare.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can change it between January 1 and March 31. This is called the Open Enrollment Period (OEP). During this time, you can switch to a new Medicare Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare. You are allowed only one change during this window, and your new coverage usually starts on the first day of the next month.

What is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is a special time each year from January 1 to March 31. It is designed specifically for people who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan but feel their current coverage isn't the right fit.

How is OEP different from the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)?

It is common to feel confused by these dates, especially since the government and news outlets often use the term "Open Enrollment" to refer to several different periods. You can find official details on the Medicare.gov website.

OEP (January 1 to March 31): This is a second-chance window only for people who already have a Medicare Advantage plan. You can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare.
AEP (October 15 to December 7): This is the main event. It is open to everyone on Medicare. During AEP, you can move from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or vice versa, and add or drop drug coverage.

Who is eligible to change plans in 2026 and 2027?

To use this enrollment window, you must already be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan (like an HMO or PPO) on January 1. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can:

Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan
Leave your Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)
Sign up for a Part D drug plan if you return to Original Medicare

If you only have Original Medicare, you cannot use this period to join a Medicare Advantage plan or a drug plan for the first time.

How to Use the Yearly OEP to Switch Plans

Changing your plan doesn't have to be hard. Follow these simple steps to prepare for the 2026 or 2027 season:

Review Your Current Plan: Look at your “Evidence of Coverage" to see what you are paying now.
Check Your Doctors: Make sure your favorite doctors and hospitals are still in the plan's network.
List Your Medicines: Check if your prescriptions are still covered at a price you can afford.

Switching to a New Medicare Advantage Plan

If you find a new all-in-one Medicare Advantage plan that you prefer, the process is simple. Once you join the new plan, you will be automatically disenrolled from your old plan. You don't need to call your old insurance company to cancel.

Returning to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)

If you decide that private Medicare Advantage plans aren't for you, you can use this time to return to Original Medicare. If you choose this path, you can also join a separate Medicare Part D plan to cover your prescription drugs.

Reasons to Review Your Coverage for 2026-2027

Your health needs change, and so do insurance plans. It is a good idea to check your coverage every year for these simple reasons:

Your Doctor Left the Network: If your doctor no longer accepts your plan, you may want to find a doctor who does.
Costs Went Up: Your monthly premium or the amount you pay at the doctor (copay) may have increased.
New Prescriptions: If you start a new medication, make sure your plan covers it at the lowest cost.
Lifestyle Changes: For example, if you plan to travel more in 2027, you might need a plan with a larger service area.

Find the Right Plan for You with SelectQuote

Medicare can be complicated, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. At SelectQuote, our licensed insurance agents shop some of the most recognized insurance companies in the country. We help you compare different plans side-by-side to find the right fit for your budget and your health needs—all at no cost to you. We can help you choose a plan that fits today, and then we’ll stay with you to help you navigate change—so you feel supported and confident in your Medicare coverage all year long.

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.

Can I sign up for Medicare for the first time now?

Usually, no. You sign up for Medicare for the first time during your Initial Enrollment Period (the 7-month window around your 65th birthday). If you missed that, you may have to wait for the General Enrollment Period or a Special Enrollment Period.

How many times can I change my plan during this window?

You can only make one change during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31). Once your new plan choice takes effect, you are set for the rest of the year unless you qualify for a special exception.

When will my new 2027 coverage actually start?

Your new coverage usually starts the first day of the month after the insurance company receives your request. For example, if you switch plans in February, your new coverage starts on March 1.

Can I add or drop drug coverage during this time?

If you are switching from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, and the new plan includes drug coverage, you can make that change. Or, if you are leaving Medicare Advantage to go back to Original Medicare, you can add a Part D drug plan. You cannot join a standalone drug plan if you choose to stay on Original Medicare during this specific window.

Am I guaranteed a Medigap plan if I switch back to Original Medicare?

Not necessarily. In most states, if you move from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare, you may have to go through medical underwriting. This means insurance companies can review your health history and may deny you a Medigap policy or charge you more, unless you are in a "trial period" or have other special rights.

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