What is the Medicare Advantage 5-Star Special Enrollment Period? Is this different from '"OEP'" and "AEP"?

Question

Michael Andrews · Accepted Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/what-is-the-medicare-advantage-5-star-special-enrollment-period-is-this-different-from-oep-and-aep#michael-andrews

Joseph Peck · Answer

You can use it one time outside of the OEP and the AEP. You need to make sure that the 5 star plan is coverage is beneficial for you.

Fred Manas · Answer

The Medicare Advantage 5-Star Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is a unique opportunity to switch to a 5-star-rated plan during a specific time frame. 
It is different from both the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) and the Open Enrollment Period (OEP) in terms of eligibility and timing.

Tony Hardwick · Answer

The 5 Star special enrollment period is available from 12/8 to 11/30 the following year as long as there is a 5 star plan available in the area.

Judi Norton · Answer

Any company that has a 5-Star Rating on their Advantage Plans can take enrollments any time of the year. Yes, it is different than OEP and AEP.

Rachael Metcalf · Answer

If there is a plan available in your county that CMS has given 5 star status to, you can enroll into it any time during the year.
AEP-is your annual time to make changes. That goes from Oct 15-Dec 7
OEP-you have a chance to make a 1 time change from a like product to a like product. That timeframe is Jan 1-March 31

Chuck Winslow · Answer

The Medicare Advantage 5-Star Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is a unique opportunity to switch to a 5-star-rated plan during a specific time frame.

It is different from both the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) and the Open Enrollment Period (OEP) in terms of eligibility and timing.

Answered by Fred Manas on April 28, 2025

Agent Licensed in NY, CT, DC & 7 other states

Answered by Fred Manas Medicare Insurance Agent

Diana Pedersen · Answer

The Five-Star Special Enrollment Period allows Medicare recipients to switch to a five-star Medicare Advantage, Medicare Cost Plan, or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan available in their area. This enrollment period occurs once per calendar year, starting on December 8th and ending on November 30th of the following year.

OEP is Open Enrollment Period is from 1/1 to 3/31 each year - Those who are currently on a Medicare Advantage plan have the option to move to a different Medicare Advantage plan or go back to original Medicare A/B with a prescription drug plan.

AEP is Annual Enrollment Period and is from 10/15 to 12/7 each year - This is the time of year when Medicare recipients are able to make changes to their current Medicare plans and Part D prescription plans for the following year.