Medicare Advantage Enrollment Periods

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan or you're thinking about switching to one, timing matters. Medicare only allows you to join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage plan during specific enrollment windows — outside of those windows, your options are limited. Here's a breakdown of each enrollment period, what changes you can make, and when they apply.

Annual Election Period (AEP)

October 15 – December 7 (changes take effect January 1)

The Annual Election Period is the main window each year when anyone with Medicare can make changes to their coverage. During AEP, you can:

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan
• Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to Original Medicare
• Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another
• Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan without drug coverage to one that includes it
• Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan with drug coverage to one without it
• Join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D)
• Switch from one Part D Prescription Drug Plan to another
• Drop your Medicare prescription drug coverage entirely

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP)

January 1 – March 31 (one change allowed; changes take effect the first of the month after your request)

If you're already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, this period gives you one more opportunity to make a change if AEP didn't work out. During MA OEP, you can:

• Switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage)
• Disenroll from your Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare — and join a Part D plan if you do
• If you enrolled in Medicare Advantage during your Initial Enrollment Period, change to another Medicare Advantage Plan or go back to Original Medicare within your first 3 months of having Medicare

During MA OEP, you cannot:

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan
• Join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan if you're in Original Medicare
• Switch from one Part D plan to another if you're in Original Medicare

Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

A Special Enrollment Period can open up outside of AEP and MA OEP if you experience certain life events, such as:

• Losing employer or union health coverage
• Moving outside your plan's service area
• Qualifying for Extra Help or Medicaid
• Your plan changing its contract with Medicare
• Moving into or out of a skilled nursing facility or long-term care

SEP rules and timeframes vary depending on the qualifying event, so it's worth confirming your specific situation with a licensed agent rather than assuming a deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Medicare Advantage plan anytime?

No. Outside of AEP, MA OEP, or a qualifying Special Enrollment Period, you generally can't make changes to your Medicare Advantage coverage.

What's the difference between AEP and MA OEP?

AEP (Oct 15–Dec 7) is open to everyone and allows the widest range of changes, including switching between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. MA OEP (Jan 1–Mar 31) is only for people already in a Medicare Advantage plan and allows just one change.

What happens if I miss both enrollment periods?

You'll generally need to wait for the next AEP unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to a life event.

Not sure which enrollment period applies to you, or want help comparing Medicare Advantage plans in your area? Request a free consultation with one of our licensed agents — there's no cost and no obligation.

Related reading: HMO vs. PPO Medicare Advantage Plans | Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap Plan G | Work with an Independent Medicare Broker