The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
One change, for people already in Medicare Advantage.
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 to March 31 every year. It gives people who are already in a Medicare Advantage plan one chance to change their mind after the new plan year starts.
What you can do, once
You can make only one change during this period, and it takes effect the first day of the month after the plan gets your request.
- Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan, with or without drug coverage.
- Drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare, and join a standalone Part D plan.
New to Medicare Advantage?
If you joined a Medicare Advantage plan when you first got Medicare, you also have a similar one-time chance to change within your first 3 months of having Medicare.
What it doesn't allow
And like fall Open Enrollment, it doesn't give you a guaranteed right to buy Medigap in most states.
- Switching from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage.
- Joining a Part D plan if you're in Original Medicare.
- Switching between standalone Part D plans if you're in Original Medicare.
Common questions
No. It's only for people enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Only if you have a guaranteed issue right, such as the 12-month trial right, or your state provides one. Otherwise insurers may use medical underwriting.
Want help with your own choices?
Every state runs a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) with trained counselors who give free, unbiased Medicare help and do not sell plans. Find yours on our Medicare by state pages, or call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
Planning the rest of your coverage in retirement? We can help with life insurance later in life and final expense coverage.
Sources
- Joining a health or drug plan, Medicare.gov. Checked September 29, 2026.
- Choosing a Medigap Policy (March 2026), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Checked September 29, 2026.
General information about the federal Medicare program, not advice about your situation. Figures are for 2026 unless stated and change every year; last reviewed September 29, 2026. Quote My Policy is a private company. Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.
Quote My Policy does not sell Medicare plans on this site. For plan-specific help, contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or your State Health Insurance Assistance Program.