The annual Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period occurs each year between January 1st and March 31st. This enrollment period allows people to make one change to their Medicare Advantage coverage. During Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment it’s possible to switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or drop down to Original Medicare only without any gaps in coverage.

If you use the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period to drop down to Original Medicare you become eligible to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan, but outside of your Medigap Open Enrollment Period underwriting will apply.

Who Can Use the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?

You can use the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period as long as:

1. You are eligible for Original Medicare

2. You are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period exists for people who already have Medicare Advantage coverage who wish to change plans or drop down from the plan they’re on. Some reasons for this might include wanting access to a doctor outside their former network, wanting a change in drug coverage, wanting a change in out-of-pocket costs or wanting more flexibility for travel.

How Do I Know If I’m Eligible For Original Medicare?

To be eligible for Original Medicare, you must generally be:

1. A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident for at least five years

2. Over the age of 65. However, some people under 65 qualify due to disability status. If you are eligible to receive Social Security retirement benefits by age 65, you will automatically be enrolled for Medicare in the three months leading up to your 65th birthday.

How Would I Already Be Enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan?

The best time to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan is during the three-month Initial Coverage Election Period prior to the month your Medicare benefits begin. This is because your Medicare Advantage plan will go into effect at the same time as your Original Medicare benefits.

In addition, you are able to enroll in new coverage or make plan changes during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) between October 15 and December 7 each year.. Some individuals may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period at any time of the year based on their circumstances, such as losing coverage through no fault of their own or moving out of their plan’s service area.

As long as you fit the above criteria, you are eligible to switch plans during the yearly Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1st to March 31st.

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What Actions Can I Take During Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment?

During the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, you can do the following:

1. Switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another

2. Drop coverage from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare, and add a standalone Part D drug plan if your Medicare Advantage plan had drug coverage.

If you choose to drop your Medicare Advantage plan during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, you can buy a Medicare Supplement Plan since they are available all year. However, if you aren’t buying during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period or if you don’t have Guaranteed Issue Rights due to special circumstances, your eligibility to enroll in Medicare Supplement Plans will be determined by your health due to medical underwriting.

What Information Will I Need?

To make a change during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, you will usually only need your red-white-and-blue Medicare ID card, since plan enrollments typically require information from this card. Your Medicare ID number proves your eligibility for Medicare and is tied to your current Medicare Advantage plan enrollment. 

Where Can I Obtain This Information If I Don’t Have It?

1. If you haven’t received or have lost your Medicare ID card, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227, TTY 1-877-486-2048) or you sign into Medicare’s website at account.mymedicare.gov.