How is January through March Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment different from the October through December Enrollment period?

Question

Lee Carroll · Accepted Answer

October 15–December 7 is Open Enrollment.

You can:

- Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage.
- Switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare.
- Change Medicare Advantage plans.
- Join, change or drop a Part D prescription-drug plan.

Changes generally begin January 1.

January 1–March 31 is Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment.

This period is only for people already enrolled in Medicare Advantage. You can make one change:

- Switch to another Medicare Advantage plan, or
- Return to Original Medicare and, if needed, join a Part D plan.

You cannot use this period to move from Original Medicare into Medicare Advantage or change a stand-alone Part D plan while remaining in Original Medicare. Changes generally begin the first day of the following month.

Anna Ptak · Answer

During AEP October through December, a person can:
- Join a Medicare Advantage plan
- Switch Medicare Advantage plans
- Drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare
- Join, switch, or drop a Part D drug plan
- Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage

During MA OEP January through March a person can:
This period is only for people who are already enrolled in Medicare Advantage.
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, OR
- Leave Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare (and can enroll in a standalone Part D plan)
They can make only ONE change during this period, and the change takes effect the first day of the month after the plan receives the request.

Jeremy Harkins · Answer

This period is for people already enrolled in Medicare Advantage. It generally allows one switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or a return to Original Medicare with an opportunity to join Part D. It does not let someone with Original Medicare simply join Medicare Advantage, and it does not create an automatic right to buy Medigap (Medicare Supplement).

Answered by Jeremy Harkins on September 14, 2026

Broker Licensed in TN, AR, CA & 5 other states

Answered by Jeremy Harkins Medicare Insurance Agent

Kyle Robertson · Answer

Fall Open Enrollment (October 15 – December 7): Open to everyone with Medicare. You can change your plans, and your new coverage starts on January 1.

Winter Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (January 1 – March 31): Only for people already on a Medicare Advantage plan. If you switch plans during this time, your new coverage usually starts the first of the next month.

Susan Ramirez · Answer

The January through March period is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, when someone already in a Medicare Advantage plan can make a change. October through December is the Annual Enrollment Period, when people can make changes to their Medicare coverage for the following year.

Answered by Susan Ramirez on October 5, 2026

Agent Licensed in CA

Answered by Susan Ramirez Medicare Insurance Agent

How is January through March Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment different from the October through December Enrollment period?

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How is January through March Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment different from the October through December Enrollment period?

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