Can I change my Medicare Part D drug plan during the Open Enrollment Period (OEP)?

Question

Arnett Evans · Accepted Answer

It depends on how you currently have your Medicare coverage.

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) runs from January 1 through March 31. During this period, someone who is already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can make one change:

* Switch to another Medicare Advantage plan, or
* Return to Original Medicare and enroll in a stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.

You generally cannot switch directly from one stand-alone Part D plan to another during the Medicare Advantage OEP.

If you're enrolled in Original Medicare with a stand-alone Part D plan and want to change your drug coverage, the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), October 15–December 7, is generally the time to make that change, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

If you're considering a change during OEP, it's important to look at your medications, doctors, pharmacies, premiums, and potential out-of-pocket costs before making a decision.

If you're unsure which enrollment period applies to your situation, reviewing your current Medicare coverage and the reason you're considering a change can help determine what options may be available to you.

Jon Cavanaugh · Answer

Yes... but it's during Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment, October 15 through December 7, you can change your Part D drug plan for the following year.
Just keep in mind, the January 1 through March 31 Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period works differently and doesn’t normally let you switch from one standalone Part D plan to another.
If you’re unsure which enrollment period applies to you, I’m happy to help you sort it out.

Tyler Haskell · Answer

You can only change your part D plan in the annual enrollment period (AEP) October 15- December 7th.

The OEP which is Jan 1st- March 31st, is only if you are already on an Advantage plan (Part C).

Justin Pollack · Answer

If you’re talking about “open enrollment” during the time period from January to March you cannot change a part D Plan if you already have a part D Plan in place if you’re talking about “annual enrollment” from October 15 through December 7, then yes you can change during that time. These are annual contracts that go into effect on January 1 of the next year and end on December 31.

Answered by Justin Pollack on August 10, 2026

Broker Licensed in NC, OH & SC

Answered by Justin Pollack Medicare Insurance Agent

Keith Richardson · Answer

No you would have to do that during AEP which runs from October 15 - December 7 of each year. You can leave yur MAPD plan and go back to Original Medicare and pick up a PDP during AEP and OEP.

Melissa Roth · Answer

You can change your Medicare Part D (D for drugs is how I remember it) during special circumstances like moving from one state to another etc. But there is really only once per year to change your Medicare Part D (prescription drug plan) and that is October 7th-December 15th. 

OEP runs January 1-March 31 each year and is specifically for people who are currently on an Advantage plan and want to switch to another Advantage plan, OR drop an Advantage plan and pick up a Medicare Supplement and Medicare Part D plan,

Jack Mayer · Answer

No, not during OEP, so you can't enroll in a PDP unless you're leaving an MA plan during OEP and then you could assuming you are going back on original Medicare.

Norman Smith · Answer

Yes you can. But it will not change in the rest of the existing year, only the start of the next year. Any plan you are currently on, could not be changed until 1/1/2027.