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

Answered by 52 licensed agents

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Hi, the question is: what is the Medicare Advantage 5 Star Special Enrollment Period, and is this different from OEP and AEP? Yes, the 5 Star Enrollment Period is basically if there's a Medicare Advantage plan in your area that's a 5 Star, meaning it has a rating of 5 stars, you can enroll in that plan at any time of the year. Here in Connecticut, we currently do not have any 5 Star plans that most people can enroll into, but if we ever get one, then you'd be able to enroll in that one at any time of the year. Thanks again!

Answered by Michael Andrews on April 29, 2025

Broker Licensed in CT

Answered by Michael Andrews Medicare Insurance Agent
A 5-star Medicare rating signifies excellent performance in areas such as customer service, member experience, and health outcomes. You can use this SEP once each calendar year to switch to a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan with a 5-star rating.

Answered by Gary Church on October 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in Ca, AZ, NV & TX

Answered by Gary Church Medicare Insurance Agent
With a 5 star plan you can enroll any time during the year and are not limited by Aep or Oep

So you have year round enrollments

Answered by Mike Alexander on October 20, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AL, AR & 16 other states

Answered by Mike Alexander Medicare Insurance Agent
The 5-Star SEP allows you to move from a plan that is rated less than 5 Stars into a plan that is rated 5 Stars. The 5-Star SEP is available December 8 through November 30. You may use the SEP once per 5-Star plan in your area. If there is only one 5-Star plan available, then you may only use the SEP once in that year. If there are no 5-Star plans in your area, then this SEP is not available.

Answered by Mark Bilgere on January 12, 2026

Broker Licensed in TX, AR, IN & LA, MN, NE & OK

Answered by Mark Bilgere Medicare Insurance Agent
Yes. The 5-star SEP is for Advantage plans that have a 5-star overall rating. With this SEP, you can enroll in a 5-star Advantage plan at any time during the year. You do not have to wait until AEP or OEP. Bill, contact me.

Answered by William Lawler on July 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in MO, FL, IA & 12 other states

Answered by William Lawler Medicare Insurance Agent
Imagine Medicare plans get star ratings, like restaurants. If a Medicare Advantage plan gets a perfect 5 stars, you get a special "golden ticket" once a year to switch to that top-notch plan, even if it's not the usual enrollment time. That's the 5-Star Special Enrollment Period.

Now, the regular times to change your Medicare stuff are:

Fall (October 15th - December 7th): Think of this as the big annual open season where everyone can switch plans. That's the AEP.

Early Spring (January 1st - March 31st): This is mainly for people already in a Medicare Advantage plan to make some changes. That's the OEP (specifically the Medicare Advantage OEP). Sometimes people just call the big fall one "OEP" too, which can be a little confusing.

So, the 5-Star SEP is a special, once-a-year chance to jump to a really good plan outside the regular fall and early spring enrollment periods.

Answered by Larry Dalton on May 18, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK & TX

Answered by Larry Dalton Medicare Insurance Agent
5 star ratings are the highest rating awarded to a medicare advantage plan based on the customer experience. In order to qualify for a 5 star enrollment period (which is year round) a plan must have been awarded a 5 star rating. The enrollment period cannot be used on any other plan.

Answered by Terri Reagin on August 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK, AR, CO & 6 other states

Answered by Terri Reagin Medicare Insurance Agent
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Voss Speros here, the Greek God of Medicare, talking about Medicare.

Hey, the question is, what is a five-star Medicare Advantage open enrollment? Is it different than OEP or AEP?

So, AEP, the Annual Enrollment Period, is from October 15th through December 7th. During that time, anybody can change their plan. OEP, the Open Enrollment Period, is from January 1st through March 31st. Anyone with an Advantage plan can make a one-time change to their Advantage plan, either to another Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare.

So if you miss the AEP, there's always OEP. The five-star is if there's a plan in your area that has a five-star rating. The ratings usually come out at the beginning of the new year. If they have a five-star rating, it gives you a one-time opportunity to change to that plan.

So if you're on a three-star or four-star plan and there's a five-star plan in your area, you can change to it anytime during the year. The special election periods are generally from January to the end of September. October 1st starts the Annual Enrollment Period, and there are only other election periods through that, like if you move or if you're going on Part B for the first time.

So, five-star rating, if there's a plan in your area that has a five-star rating, jump on that. It's one of the best plans in the area. I hope that helps. Give us a call if you need some help, and we'll send out an agent. Have a wonderful day!

Answered by Voss Speros on December 17, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ, CA, CO & 19 other states

Answered by Voss Speros Medicare Insurance Agent
The Medicare Advantage 5-Star Special Enrollment Period (SEP) allows you to switch once per year into a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan that has a 5-Star quality rating, if one is available in your area. This SEP runs December 8 through November 30 and can be used at any time during that window. It is different from AEP (Oct. 15–Dec. 7), which is the main annual period when most people can change plans. It’s also different from OEP (Jan. 1–Mar. 31), which only allows people already in Medicare Advantage to make a one-time change.

Answered by Ann Sanfelippo on January 19, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AZ & 14 other states

Answered by Ann Sanfelippo Medicare Insurance Agent
Yes, the 5 star special enrollment allows you to move into a 5 star plan from another plan or from original Medicare one time in a given year from December 8 to November 30 of the next year. You can also switch to a 5 star prescription drug plan one time in that year but cannot have a Medicare advantage plan with that PDP.

Answered by Pamela Masters on May 18, 2026

Broker Licensed in NC

Answered by Pamela Masters Medicare Insurance Agent
When a carrier's plan or plans achieve a 5-star rating from Medicare, one of the perks is a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) all year. A Medicare beneficiary can upgrade to a 5-star plan, join a plan, or move laterally one time during the year using this SEP. It is outside the AEP and OEP, starting Dec. 8 and running through Nov. 30. New plan enrollments will go into effect the first of the following month. This is similar to the OEP which runs from Jan. 1 through March 31 where you can change a Medicare Advantage plan 1 time or return to original Medicare and a Part D. But, during the OEP if you are not on a Medicare Advantage plan you cannot get on one which you can do during the 5-star SEP. For both the OEP and the 5-Star SEP, you may only make 1 change. During the AEP, which runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, you can make as many choices and changes as you like and the last one before midnight on Dec. 7 is the one that goes into effect on Jan. 1 of the next year.

Answered by Lynn C Shurtleff on September 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in TN, AR, CO & 6 other states

Answered by Lynn C Shurtleff Medicare Insurance Agent
The Medicare Advantage 5-Star Special Enrollment Period (SEP) lets you switch to a 5-star Medicare Advantage or Part D drug plan once per year, anytime between December 8 and November 30. This is different from the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) in the fall and the Open Enrollment Period (OEP) in early spring, because it allows you to change plans mid-year—but only if a 5-star plan is available in your area.

Answered by David Wynne on June 9, 2025

Broker Licensed in SC, GA, MI, NC & PA

Answered by David Wynne Medicare Insurance Agent
The Medicare Advantage 5 Star Special Enrollment Period lets you switch into a top rated Medicare Advantage plan one time during the year if one is available where you live. This is different from AEP, which runs from October 15 to December 7 and is when most people review and change plans for the next year, and OEP, which runs from January 1 to March 31 and only allows changes for people already on Medicare Advantage. The 5 Star period gives you an extra opportunity outside of those normal enrollment times.

Answered by Jake Purvis - CMIP on February 9, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL, GA & TX

Answered by Jake Purvis - CMIP Medicare Insurance Agent
The 5-Star SEP is different from AEP and OEP. It gives you the opportunity to enroll in a 5-star plan- if one is available in your area- once during the year. This provides an opportunity to move from a lower rated plan to a higher rated one. This SEP does not apply if you're already enrolled a 5-star plan.

If you have any questions, please contact me. I'm here to help!

Answered by Cynthia Nakaya on July 16, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AZ, CO, GA, MO & TX

Answered by Cynthia Nakaya Medicare Insurance Agent
First, understand that Medicare rates MAPD and Part D drug plans on a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest. If you are enrolled in an MAPD or Part D Drug plan that is lower than 5 Stars and a 5 Star plan becomes available to your region during the year, you can enroll in the higher rated plan. CAUTION: This Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is not available during OEP or AEP. As a reminder, OEP (Open Enrollment) is from January 1st to March 31st and does NOT apply to Part D Drug Plans. AEP (Annual Enrollment) runs from October 15th to December 7th. To coordinate with AEP, the Medicare Advantage 5 Star SEP is from December 8th to November 30th every year.

Answered by Susan O'Kelley on October 6, 2025

Broker Licensed in CO, AL, AZ & 20 other states

Answered by Susan O'Kelley Medicare Insurance Agent
Yes, if there is a 5-star plan available in your area that you are interested in, you can make one change outside of the enrollment periods. Have a great day.

Answered by Jillian Bellinger-Laing on May 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA, DE, FL & 6 other states

Answered by Jillian Bellinger-Laing Medicare Insurance Agent
The 5 Star election period is different from OEP & AEP. The 5 Star Election period allows you to enroll in any Medicare Advantage plan that has a 5 out of 5 Star rating at any point throughout the year. If the plan is any less than 5 stars, you cannot use this election period.

AEP allows anyone to enroll in a Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan between October 15th-December 7th.

OEP allows anyone to make a one time plan change to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or Prescription Drug Plan between January 1st- March 30th.

Answered by Martin Meyer on October 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in IL, AL, AR & 18 other states

Answered by Martin Meyer Medicare Insurance Agent
OEP happens annually from January 1st through March 31st and it allows any member of a Medicare Advantage plan to switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan during that time. AEP is from Oct 15th through December 7th and it is a time when anyone who has Medicare (not just those who are already on a Medicare Advantage plan) can elect for a plan for the coming year.

The 5 Star Special Enrollment Code allows any medicare member who has both A and B (on a plan or not) to join a Medicare advantage plan that has a 5 star rating. This code can be used at any time between December 8th and November 30th.

Answered by Nick Harris on March 2, 2026

Agent Licensed in NC, GA, TN, VA & WV

Answered by Nick Harris Medicare Insurance Agent
Yes this different from OEP and AEP. You can enroll into a 5 star Medicare Advantage once per year between 12/8 to 11/30.

Answered by Colton Fisher on June 1, 2026

Agent Licensed in PA, FL, NC, NJ & SC

Answered by Colton Fisher Medicare Insurance Agent
It is different though very rare. Should a plan be evaluated by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) based upon customer surveys and their own evaluation, a 5-Star rating can be granted. This means that whenever this rating is published, the very next month, you are able to switch over from your current Advantage plan to the 5-Star. It will not count if you have a Medigap plan.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on May 31, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent
Yes. This is a year-round enrollment that is possible if you have a 5 star plan in your area, and you want to enroll in that plan.

Answered by Kristen Skinner on February 23, 2026

Broker Licensed in OK

Answered by Kristen Skinner Medicare Insurance Agent
5-Star Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

What it is:

A Special Enrollment Period that allows Medicare beneficiaries to switch to a 5-star Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, even outside of regular enrollment periods.

When:

Once per year, any time between December 8 and November 30 of the following year.

(Right after AEP ends on December 7.)

Who qualifies:

Anyone enrolled in Medicare who lives in an area where a 5-star rated plan is available.

You do not have to currently be in a 5-star plan — this SEP lets you switch into one.

What you can do:

Switch from any Medicare Advantage plan (even another 5-star) to a 5-star Medicare Advantage plan.

Switch from Original Medicare + Part D to a 5-star Medicare Advantage plan.

Switch Part D drug plans if a 5-star Part D plan is available.

Answered by Leslie Kaz on May 26, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AZ & 7 other states

Answered by Leslie Kaz Medicare Insurance Agent
Yes, A 5 star plan is its own enrollment period. Having a five-star Medicare Advantage plan is significant because it indicates superior quality and performance. These plans are highly rated for their customer satisfaction, access to preventive services, coordination of care, overall satisfaction, and customer service. Refer to your current area to see if you have access to a five star plan.

Answered by Yasmery Vargas on November 29, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA

Answered by Yasmery Vargas Medicare Insurance Agent
The Medicare Advantage 5-Star Special Enrollment Period (SEP) allows beneficiaries to switch to a 5-star-rated Medicare Advantage or Part D plan once per year, anytime between December 8 and November 30. It is distinct from AEP and OEP because it is not based on a specific calendar season, but rather the availability of a high-quality plan. Differences in Enrollment Periods:5-Star SEP: Runs Dec 8–Nov 30. You can change plans once during this period, but only if a 5-star plan is available in your area. AEP (Annual Enrollment Period): Oct 15–Dec 7. Everyone with Medicare can change plans (Advantage or Drug). OEP (Open Enrollment Period): Jan 1–March 31. Only for those already in Medicare Advantage; allows one change. Key Differences Summary: The 5-star SEP is solely to move to a top-tier rated plan. Flexibility: 5-Star SEP allows changes almost all year, whereas AEP and OEP have strict, narrow windows. Requirement: A 5-star plan must be active in your service area to use the 5-star SEP.

Answered by Vernon Jones on May 11, 2026

Broker Licensed in NC & SC

Answered by Vernon Jones Medicare Insurance Agent
THE MEDICARE ADVANTAGE 5 STAR SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD IS SPECIFIC TO MA PLANS WITH A 5 STAR RATING. IT ALLOWS MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES THE ABILITY ENROLL IN THESE PLANS YEAR ROUND. WHILE AEP AND OEP ARE TIME PERIODS WHERE ALL BENEFICIARIES CAN ENROLL IN ANY PLAN.

Answered by Nick Sarant on January 26, 2026

Agent Licensed in SC

Answered by Nick Sarant Medicare Insurance Agent
Medicare advantage plans that have received a five star rating from Medicare have the ability to enroll people throughout the calendar year. Medicare recipients have a one time opportunity to enroll in a five star plan during the course of the year.

Answered by Rob Campbell on August 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC, AZ, CT & 11 other states

Answered by Rob Campbell Medicare Insurance Agent
If there is a 5 star Advantage plan available in your area you can change to it anytime of the year. It takes effect the first of the following month upon enrollment. The Annual Election Period happens once a year from October 15th to December 7th when you can change or choose an Advantage plan that will take effect on Jan 1. Open Enrollment Period is from Jan 1 to March 31 when you can change your Medicare Advantage plan or drop it and go back to Original Medicare. You can then sign up with a stand alone drug plan with a Medigap plan. The change will take effect the first of the following month after the change is made.

Answered by Lou Spatafore on March 2, 2026

Broker Licensed in WV, FL, GA & 10 other states

Answered by Lou Spatafore Medicare Insurance Agent
The 5-Star Special Enrollment Period (SEP) allows Medicare clients to switch to a 5-star rated Medicare Advantage or Part D plan once per year, outside of the standard enrollment periods of AEP and OEP. The 5-star SEP is available between December 8 and November 30.

Answered by Victoria R. Trevino on April 27, 2026

Broker Licensed in TX & NM

Answered by Victoria R. Trevino Medicare Insurance Agent
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
It's different from both AEP and OEP, as it's specifically tied to the availability of high-quality 5-star plans and can be used only once during the specified timeframe

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on August 3, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent
Yes, the 5-Star Special Enrollment Period is different than the AEP and OEP. If an Advantage Plan or Part D plan (though I've never seen a Part D plan awarded 5 stars!), has been awarded 5 Stars, you can enroll anytime during the year, from Dec 8 of the current year, until Nov 30 of the following year. Obviously, you must live in the service area of the plan.

Answered by Andrew Kramer on September 2, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Andrew Kramer Medicare Insurance Agent
Yes - if a insurance carrier has a 5 star plan -then it’s a SEP and gives you the opportunity to switch plans outside of the AEP & OEP.

Answered by Carol Thompson on May 14, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL, LA, MI & NC, SC, VA & WI

Answered by Carol Thompson Medicare Insurance Agent
Medicare uses a five-star rating system to evaluate Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare star ratings can change from one year to the next. Learn how to compare star ratings for the Medicare Advantage plans offered in your area.

If you are currently enrolled in a plan that is rated as fewer than five stars, you may be able to utilize the Medicare Five-Star Special Election Period to disenroll from your current plan and enroll in a five-star Medicare Advantage plan if one is available where you live.

This period lasts from December 8 to November 30 of the following year. During this period, you can only switch to a five-star plan. Special Enrollment Periods may be granted to individuals for a variety of circumstances, such as but not limited to living outside of the U.S. at the time of your initial Medicare eligibility or residing in a long-term care facility.

Answered by Jaye Maxx Alexander II on May 13, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC, AK, AL & 47 other states

Answered by Jaye Maxx Alexander II Medicare Insurance Agent
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.

Answered by Joseph Peck on April 28, 2025

Agent Licensed in MI, AL, CO, KS & TN

Answered by Joseph Peck Medicare Insurance Agent
It is different from OEP and AEP. The 5-star Special Enrollment Period is a once-per-year chance to switch into a Medicare Advantage, Part D, or cost plan that has an overall 5-star rating in your area. It runs from Dec8 to Nov30, and you can only use it one time per calendar year. If there isn't a 5-star plan available where you live, or you've already used this SEP for the year, then you'd need to wait for another enrollment period like AEP or OEP for most changes.

Answered by Tamela Clayton on May 31, 2026

Broker Licensed in TX, AL, AZ & 12 other states

Answered by Tamela Clayton Medicare Insurance Agent
If you sign up for a Medicare plan and then learn after AEP that another plan is a five star plan, you can switch to that plan at any time. A five star plan offers an anytime move to that plan because it’s the highest rated available. So regardless you sign up for a Medicare plan and then learn after AEP that another plan is a five star plan, you can switch to that plan at any time. A five star plan offers an anytime move to that plan because it’s the highest rated available. So regardless of AEP or OEP, you can always switch to a 5 star plan in a special enrollment period.

Answered by John Messler on October 6, 2025

Agent Licensed in NH, ME, NC, OH, PA & TX

Answered by John Messler Medicare Insurance Agent
The Medicare Advantage 5-Star Special Enrollment Period allows you to switch to a 5-Star rated Medicare Advantage plan once per year outside of the usual enrollment windows. It's different from the OEP (Open Enrollment Period) and AEP (Annual Enrollment Period) because it’s specifically tied to the quality rating of the plan, not the time of year.

Answered by Chuck Winslow on April 28, 2025

Agent Licensed in IN

Answered by Chuck Winslow Medicare Insurance Agent
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.

Answered by Tony Hardwick on April 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in GA, AL, AR & 32 other states

Answered by Tony Hardwick Medicare Insurance Agent
The 5 star advantage plan rating if it’s offered in your area it’s for special enrollment period from December 8 to November 30th it’s not an Oep or aep it’s special enrollment period .

Answered by Raid Alemam on September 6, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, CA, CO & 7 other states

Answered by Raid Alemam Medicare Insurance Agent
A Medicare Advantage 5-Star Special Enrollment period (SEP) is only for changing to a 5 Star rated plan, if it is in your area, between December 8 and November 30. AEP - is for other changes such as enrolling or switching, or dropping a MA or PDP plan, or switching between original medicare (A&B) and a MA plan. This can be done between October 15 through December 7. OEP — is from January 1 to March 31st, where you can revisit your MA Plan and decide whether you want to switch to a different MA Plan or drop your MA Plan and go back to Original Medicare. All 3 periods offer different options.

Answered by Cynthia Allen on October 20, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, GA, ID & 6 other states

Answered by Cynthia Allen Medicare Insurance Agent
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.

Answered by Judi Norton on April 28, 2025

Agent Licensed in NM

Answered by Judi Norton Medicare Insurance Agent
Every Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan receives an annual quality rating from CMS (1-5 stars). If a 5-star plan is available in your area, you have a one-time Special Enrollment Period each year to switch to it.

Answered by Angela Wainright on September 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in MN, AZ & ND

Answered by Angela Wainright Medicare Insurance Agent
If you are on a Medicare Advantage Plan, CMS regulations allow you to upgrade to a 5-Star Medicare Advantage Plan at any time.

This Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is different from the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) and the Open Enrollment Period (OEP).

Answered by Tim J Harris on May 19, 2026

Agent Licensed in TX

Answered by Tim J Harris Medicare Insurance Agent
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

Answered by Rachael Metcalf on April 28, 2025

Agent Licensed in TN, FL, GA & 5 other states

Answered by Rachael Metcalf Medicare Insurance Agent
Yes. There are two timelines such as Open Enrollment Period (January 1st -March 31st) and Annual Enrollment Period (October 15th- December 7th) each year to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. There are many other ways to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan- the most common of which is a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).

Enrollment in a 5- star plan would open up a SEP and therefore allow a Medicare Advantage Participant to change plans into a 5- star plan anytime during the year using the SEP.

Answered by Dan Green on May 19, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC

Answered by Dan Green Medicare Insurance Agent
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.

Answered by Diana Pedersen on April 28, 2025

Agent Licensed in WA & ID

Answered by Diana Pedersen Medicare Insurance Agent
The 5-Star Enrollment period is available once a year, IF there is a 5 Star plan available to enroll into (very few of them out there however).

Answered by Stacy Cogar on March 16, 2026

Broker Licensed in OH, AL, AR & 32 other states

Answered by Stacy Cogar Medicare Insurance Agent
The Medicare star rating SEP is for Medicare Advantage plans that have a Medicare star rating of overall started at 5 and can be sold year round. AEP begins October 15th and ends December 7th. OEP begins January 5th and ends March 31st.

Answered by Amanda Holder on September 3, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AZ, NC & VA

Answered by Amanda Holder Medicare Insurance Agent
Medicare allows a plan change if there is a need for it and you have a 5-star plan available in your area.

Please contact and we can discuss if it's a good idea. Something a lot of people don't look at is they're medical deductible will reset if they make a plan change.

Travis Helms

Contact me.

Answered by Travis Helms on April 20, 2026

Broker Licensed in NE, CO, IA, NM & SD

Answered by Travis Helms Medicare Insurance Agent
Yes, the 5-star Medicare Advantage special enrollment period (MA SEP) is different from the OEP and AEP. The AEP is the time period between October 15 and December 7 where you can enroll in a different Medicare Advantage or stand-alone drug plan effective January 1 of the following year. The OEP is the time period between January 1 and March 31 where someone with a Medicare Advantage plan can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare. The 5-star MA SEP is available between December 8 and November 30 (of the following year) and it's a one-time opportunity for a Medicare beneficiary to enroll in a 5-star Medicare Advantage available in their area.

Answered by Mark Mabaquiao on June 3, 2025

Broker Licensed in NV, AZ, CA, FL, HI & IL

Answered by Mark Mabaquiao Medicare Insurance Agent
Yes its different from OEP and AEP; If a Medicare Advantage plan in your area has received a 5 star rating, you can switch to that plan once per year outside of the usual enrollment periods.

Answered by Alyssa Scripter on June 6, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA, CO, FL & 11 other states

Answered by Alyssa Scripter Medicare Insurance Agent
Yes, it allows you to still change your plan during this SEP time due to you county being affected by an emergency or disaster such as a storm, flood or tornado those are examples.

Answered by Sara Camarillo on April 1, 2026

Agent Licensed in TX & FL

Answered by Sara Camarillo Medicare Insurance Agent

Tags: Enrollment Periods Medicare Advantage

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