Key takeaways:
Medicare Advantage (MA) open enrollment happens annually from January 1 to March 31. Coverage starts the first day of the month after your request to join a plan.
During Medicare Advantage open enrollment, you can also switch to another MA plan or to original Medicare. You can take either option with or without joining a Part D plan for prescription medication coverage.
If you have an MA plan and it’s not the open-enrollment period — the first 3 months of the year — you may be able to make changes if you qualify for a special enrollment period (SEP).
The open enrollment period for Medicare differs depending on the type of coverage. While original Medicare — Part A and Part B — has an open enrollment period at the end of the year, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans have a 3-month open enrollment period beginning in January.
If you are enrolled in an MA plan, you have two opportunities each year to make changes:
Medicare Advantage open enrollment: January 1 to March 31
Medicare open enrollment: October 15 to December 7
When is the Medicare Advantage open enrollment period?
Open enrollment exclusively for MA plans is from January 1 to March 31 every year. During that time, you have many options, including:
Switching to another MA plan with prescription medication coverage (Part D)
Switching to another MA plan without Part D
Switching to original Medicare without joining a Part D plan
Switching to original Medicare and joining a Part D plan
It’s important to note that you can switch MA plans once a year during this 3-month period.
During MA open enrollment, you cannot go from original Medicare to MA. Adjustments for people enrolled in original Medicare must happen during the open enrollment period from October 15 to December 7.
If you joined Medicare with an MA plan, you can switch to another MA plan or go back to original Medicare within the first 3 months of enrollment in Part A and Part B.
Your coverage starts the first day of the month after your request to join a plan.
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Can I switch from original Medicare to Medicare Advantage anytime?
No, there are certain times when you can switch from original Medicare to MA.
If you have original Medicare, your window to switch to MA happens during Medicare open enrollment from October 15 to December 7. During that period, you also can add or drop a Part D plan.
If you need to make a change outside that timeframe, you may be able to do so if you qualify for a special enrollment period (SEP). You become eligible for a SEP when you have a qualifying life event occur outside of the open enrollment period.
Your coverage starts the first day of the month after your request to join a plan.
Can I switch from Medicare Advantage back to original Medicare?
Yes, you can switch from MA back to original Medicare. You can make this change during both Medicare open enrollment in the fall or during Medicare Advantage open enrollment during the first 3 months of the year.
As mentioned earlier, there is an additional opportunity to switch plans if you joined Medicare with an MA plan. In that case, you can switch to another MA plan or go back to original Medicare within the first 3 months of enrollment.
Another exception is if you qualify for a SEP. During a SEP, you can make immediate changes to your Medicare coverage. The following life events would qualify you for a SEP:
You move and no longer qualify for your current plan.
You move to a part of your current coverage area where there are plan options from additional Medicare plan providers.
You move into (or out of) an assisted living facility, mental health facility, or prison.
You previously qualified for Medicaid but are no longer eligible.
You lost your job and no longer have employer-provider health insurance.
You want to switch from a Medicare plan with a low quality rating to one with a five-star quality rating.
You are enrolled in a Special Needs Plan (SNP) and no longer have the condition that made you eligible for coverage.
You think that misleading or unclear information about Medicare plans caused you to make a bad decision. This is true even if you used Medicare’s online plan finder to sign up. In this scenario, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for help. Medicare representatives will assist you with switching plans.
Your coverage starts the first day of the month after your request to enroll in original Medicare.
Should you switch Medicare Advantage plans?
Choosing to join, switch, or drop an MA plan — or a Part D prescription medication plan — usually depends on the conditions you’re managing and your budget. For instance, a new plan may offer benefits that better align with your needs at a lower cost.
Here are 5 reasons you might consider switching your MA plan:
You have new health needs.
You no longer need a particular benefit.
Your prescription medications have changed.
Your plan is no longer the most affordable option available to you.
Your plan has changed or removed benefits.
You should check the benefits and costs of your current MA plan to determine if the offerings still meet your needs. Refer to your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), which should arrive in the fall, to know what to expect in the next coverage year.
You can also check other MA plans offered in your area to see if there’s something better for you. For instance, some people may want a plan that covers gym membership or transportation for healthcare appointments. You should also consider the extra benefits as well as the disadvantages of MA plans.
If you need a Part D prescription plan, make sure the one you have — or the new one you choose — covers the medications you need.
The bottom line
The annual Medicare Advantage (MA) open enrollment period starts January 1 and ends March 31. During this time, you can switch to another MA plan or to original Medicare. You can take either option with or without joining a Part D plan for prescription medication coverage.
If you are enrolled in an MA plan and it’s not the MA open enrollment period — the first three months of the year — you may be able to make changes if you qualify for a special enrollment period (SEP). Another exception is if you initially joined Medicare with an MA plan. In that case, you can switch to another MA plan or go back to original Medicare at any time within the first 3 months of enrollment.
In all cases, your coverage starts the first day of the month after your request to join a plan.
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References
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2022). Five-star quality rating system.
HealthCare.gov. (n.d.). Qualifying life event (QLE).
Medicare.gov. (n.d.). Joining a health or drug plan.
Medicare.gov. (n.d.). Special circumstances (special enrollment periods).
Medicare.gov. (n.d.). Special Needs Plans (SNP).
