If you're currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, it is important to understand what the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment period is and what it means for you. From January 1 through March 31, this period offers you the opportunity to make changes to your existing Medicare Advantage plan with changes taking effect on the first of the month following your request. Whether your current coverage isn’t meeting your needs, or you want to explore other options, understanding this enrollment period can help you make informed decisions that best suit your healthcare needs.
The first thing you need to know is that the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is only for individuals already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
What changes can I make
During the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, you can make the following adjustments to your plan:
- Switch to Another Medicare Advantage Plan
If your current plan isn’t meeting your needs, you can switch to a new Medicare Advantage plan. This includes plans from other insurance providers that may better align with your healthcare needs.
- Return to Original Medicare
If you’ve decided that Medicare Advantage isn’t the right fit for you, you’re allowed to return to Original Medicare (Parts A and B). You can also enroll in a stand-alone Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan if you return to Original Medicare.
- Explore Better Plan Features
Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer added benefits that weren’t available when you first enrolled. This could include more extensive drug coverage, transportation to medical appointments or even wellness programs like gym memberships. Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment is the perfect time to explore these options and find a plan that works best for you.
There are a few items to note that you cannot do during this time frame:
- Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage.
- Add or drop drug coverage if you're only on Original Medicare.
These changes must wait until the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period which will run from October 15 to December 7, 2025, or the Medicare Special Enrollment Period if you have a qualifying life event.
3 steps to take before March 31
- Review Your Current Plan: Look at the benefits, costs, and coverage to see if it still meets your needs.
- Make a List of Your Healthcare Needs: Write down your current medications, preferred doctors, and any other medical services you regularly use. This list will help you compare different plans to see which one offers the best coverage for your needs.
- Compare Plans: Use the Medicare Plan Finder tool on the Medicare website to compare different plans available in your area. Look at the premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coverage for prescription drugs. Don’t forget to check if your preferred doctors and hospitals are in the plan’s network. This can be confusing, but you can work with a licensed broker to help you through this process with ease.
Your health needs can change over time, and so can the coverage offered by Medicare Advantage plans. Costs might go up, benefits could expand, and provider networks could shift. Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment gives you a critical opportunity to reflect on the past year, assess your current plan, and if needed switch to coverage that works better for your current health and financial situation.
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The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment period is Jan. 1 – March 31.