There are a variety of different time periods when you can enroll in a Medicare plan, or switch from one plan to another. It’s helpful to understand these different opportunities for joining or switching plans so you can have the most flexibility and control over your health insurance coverage.
If you’re currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, or OEP, is your next opportunity to switch plans without penalty from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). It runs each year from January 1 through March 31.
The OEP shouldn’t be confused with the Medicare Advantage Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which runs from October 15 through December 7.
Changes you can make during the Medicare Advantage OEP
Between January 1 and March 31, you can:
- Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan
- Drop a Medicare Advantage plan and switch to Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and a standalone prescription drug (Part D) plan
- Drop a Medicare Advantage plan and switch to Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and a Medicare Supplement plan (also called a Medigap plan)
However, bear in mind that you can only make one switch during the OEP.
When your plan change goes into effect
When you make a switch during the OEP, it goes into effect the first day of the next month after CMS receives your switch request. So:
- If they receive your request in January, it goes into effect February 1.
- A request that’s received in February will go into effect on March 1.
- A request that’s received in March will go into effect on April 1.
Learn more about how Medicare works. Visit amerihealthmedicare.com.
Website last updated: 12/15/23
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