What is Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?

HAP is here, helping you understand your Medicare coverage options

Each year, you can join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan during the Annual Enrollment Period which happens from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. When you choose a plan during this period, your plan will become effective on Jan. 1 of the following year.

If you are not satisfied with your Medicare Advantage plan in the new year, you can switch. You can now make one change during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period which happens between Jan. 1 and Mar. 31 each year. 

You can make these changes during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period:

• If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (with or without drug coverage), you can switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage). You can choose a different plan with your current health insurer or a new plan with a new health insurer.
• You can drop your Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare. You'll also be able to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. 

During this period, you can't:

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan. 
• Join a Medicare Prescription Drug plan if you're in Original Medicare.
• Switch from one Medicare Prescriptions Drug plan to another if you're in Original Medicare. 

You can only make one change during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. Any changes you make will be effective the first of the month after the plan gets your request.