Here's the short answer. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 to March 31 each year. It is only for people already in a Medicare Advantage plan. You can make one change: switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan, or drop your plan and return to Original Medicare. If you return to Original Medicare, you can also join a separate Medicare drug plan. Any change starts the first day of the month after the plan gets your request.
Who can use it
You can use this period only if you are already in a Medicare Advantage plan, with or without drug coverage. If you have Original Medicare, this period is not for you.
What you can do
- Switch to another Medicare Advantage plan. The new plan can have drug coverage or not.
- Drop your plan and go back to Original Medicare. You can then join a separate Medicare drug plan. See Switching From Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare, including what to know about Medigap.
What you can't do
- You can't switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan.
- You can't join a separate drug plan if you have Original Medicare.
- You can't switch from one drug plan to another if you have Original Medicare.
- You can't make more than one change.
Because you only get one change, check the new plan before you use it. Look at its doctors, drugs and costs first. See Switching Medicare Advantage Plans.
How it differs from fall open enrollment
| Fall Open Enrollment | MA Open Enrollment | |
|---|---|---|
| Dates | October 15 – December 7 | January 1 – March 31 |
| Who | Anyone with Medicare | Only people already in a Medicare Advantage plan |
| What | Join, drop or switch a plan | One change: switch MA plans, or return to Original Medicare |
| Coverage starts | January 1 | First of the month after the plan gets your request |
The fall dates and the coverage start come from Medicare.gov. For the full fall picture, see Medicare Open Enrollment 2027 and the Enrollment Calendar.
If you joined a plan this fall and changed your mind
Medicare says that if you join a Medicare Advantage plan during fall open enrollment and change your mind, you can switch back to Original Medicare or change to a different Medicare Advantage plan from January 1 to March 31. That is your one change.
How to make the change
- Pick the plan first. Use the Medicare Plan Finder and check doctors and drugs.
- Join the new plan. If you are switching to a new Medicare Advantage plan, enrolling in it ends your old plan.
- If returning to Original Medicare, join a separate drug plan too. Medicare says you don't need to contact your Medicare Advantage plan.
- Call for help. 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or your free SHIP counselor.
Common questions
Is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period the same as Annual Enrollment?
No. Fall open enrollment runs October 15 to December 7 and is open to everyone with Medicare. The January to March period is only for people already in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Can I change more than once?
No. You can only make one change during this period.
I have Original Medicare. Can I join a Medicare Advantage plan in January?
Not through this period. It does not let you switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan. You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period in some situations. See Enrollment & Deadlines.