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Medicare Advantage open enrollment is an annual period from Jan. 1 to March 31 during which current Medicare Advantage members can make a one-time change to their coverage.
- Who is eligible? Medicare Advantage open enrollment is for people already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
- What can you do? During this period, you’re allowed to switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare (and add a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan).
- What can’t you do? You can’t move from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage. If you have Original Medicare, you can’t join or make changes to a Medicare Part D plan.
» MORE: Best Medicare Advantage plans
🤓 Nerdy Tip
If you return to Original Medicare, you might not be able to get a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plan unless you have a guaranteed issue right. In most states, Medigap insurers can charge you more or deny you coverage based on your health outside of your initial enrollment period. Contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free guidance before you make the switch. When is open enrollment for Medicare Advantage plans?
The Medicare Advantage open enrollment dates are Jan. 1 through March 31. You're allowed to change plans only once during this period. Once you've made a change, your new plan will take effect on the first day of the following month.
This open enrollment is for current Medicare Advantage members who want to switch plans or leave Medicare Advantage. If you don’t have a Medicare Advantage plan already, this open enrollment period isn’t for you.
When can I sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan?
If you aren’t eligible for Medicare Advantage open enrollment, you may still be able to join a plan during these other enrollment periods:
- Your initial enrollment period: This is when you first become eligible for Medicare, generally around your 65th birthday unless you qualify for other reasons, such as becoming disabled.
- General enrollment period: If you missed your initial enrollment period, and you’re signing up for Medicare Part A and Part B for the first time between Jan. 1 and March 31, you can also sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan. Coverage starts the month after you sign up.
- Medicare open enrollment period: This enrollment runs annually from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, and you can join Medicare Advantage during this time. You can also change or drop your plan.
- Special enrollment period: Certain life events qualify you to make changes to your Medicare coverage outside of normal enrollment periods. These events include moving to an address that's outside your plan's service area, losing your current coverage and other specific situations.
Compare Medicare Advantage plans
| Insurance company | NerdWallet rating | States available | Members in high-rated plans | Member experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48 states and Washington, D.C. | Medium (50% to 84%) | 3.74 (Average) | ||
| 46 states and Washington, D.C. | Low (49% or less) | 3.82 (Above average) | ||
| 43 states and Washington, D.C. | Medium (50% to 84%) | 3.89 (Above average) | ||
| 29 states and Washington, D.C. | Medium (50% to 84%) | 3.96 (Above average) |
Medicare Advantage open enrollment vs. Medicare open enrollment
Medicare open enrollment happens every fall from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. During this time, people with Medicare can join, change or drop Original Medicare, a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare drug plan. Coverage for plan changes starts Jan. 1.
Medicare Advantage open enrollment, which runs from Jan. 1 to March 31, is only for people who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. If you have Original Medicare, you can't change plans during this time. Changes to plans made during this period take effect on the first day of the following month.
Should I switch Medicare Advantage plans?
There are several reasons why you might consider changing from your current Medicare Advantage plan to another during Medicare Advantage open enrollment.
| If you want… | You should… |
|---|---|
| Lower prescription costs | Compare pricing between plans using Medicare's plan finding tool to see if switching plans might lower your medication costs. Drug pricing is very individual. Your medication may cost hundreds under one plan and be free under another. |
| Lower copays | Consider how many times a year you see a doctor or specialist. If you’re spending a lot of money on out-of-pocket costs, you could look for plans that charge lower copays/coinsurance or have a lower out-of-pocket maximum. |
| Doctors in-network | Look for a Medicare Advantage plan your doctors are in-network with. Plan networks can change at any time, so even if you think your providers are in-network, it’s worth checking to make sure. |
| Better benefits | Think about switching if your plan doesn’t offer vision, hearing or dental care and those are benefits you plan to use. These benefits are usually minimal and shouldn’t be the only factor you consider, but if two plans are comparable and one offers extra benefits, it can make sense to switch. |
The Medicare website is a great place to start shopping for Medicare Advantage plans. You can enter the name, dosage, quantity and frequency of each drug you take regularly, and the pharmacy where you fill prescriptions. Filter plans by available benefits, plan type, insurance carrier, drug coverage options and star rating.
» MORE: How to change Medicare plans
What you’ll need for Medicare Advantage open enrollment
If you’re thinking of changing plans, make sure you have the following information handy for comparison:
- A list of your regular medical providers and hospitals.
- A list of your prescription drugs.
- Documentation from your current plan explaining your copays, coinsurance, deductibles and premiums.
- A list of your current plan’s extra benefits, such as cost sharing with dental care.
Shopping for Medicare Advantage plans? We have you covered.
| MEDICARE ADVANTAGE is an alternative to traditional Medicare offered by private health insurers. Compare options from our Medicare Advantage roundup. | |
| Best major company | Best for size of network |
| Best government ratings | Best for low-cost plan availability |
Medicare Advantage companies
Get more information below about some of the major Medicare Advantage companies. These insurance companies offer plans in most states. The plans you can choose from will depend on your ZIP code and county.
Medicare Advantage by state
Medicare Advantage plan availability varies by location. Click on a state on the map below to see the best Medicare Advantage plans available in that state.
