Medicare Advantage open enrollment

January 1–March 31 is a separate enrollment opportunity

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment is for people already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. The yearly period runs January 1 through March 31. It is separate from fall Annual Enrollment, October 15–December 7.

If you are new to Medicare and join Medicare Advantage, a separate opportunity applies during the first three months you have both Part A and Part B. Confirm which enrollment rule applies to your situation.

What you can do—and when the change begins

During this period, you generally can switch to another Medicare Advantage plan, with or without drug coverage, or leave Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare. If returning to Original Medicare, you can join a stand-alone Part D plan.

You can make only one change during Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment. The change generally takes effect the first day of the month after the plan receives your request. For example, a request received in January generally takes effect February 1. Resolve questions about doctors, medications, costs, and effective dates before using this opportunity.

What this period does not allow

You cannot use Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment to move from Original Medicare into Medicare Advantage. If you are in Original Medicare, you also cannot use this period to join or switch a stand-alone drug plan.

This does not rule out a different enrollment opportunity. A Special Enrollment Period or first-time enrollment window may apply. Ask which rule and deadline apply before assuming you must wait for October.

Check Medigap eligibility before returning to Original Medicare

Medigap supplements Original Medicare and has separate enrollment rules. Your federal six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins the first month you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Part B.

Outside that period, medical underwriting may apply unless guaranteed issue rights or state protections apply. The January–March period does not automatically guarantee Medigap acceptance. Confirm any Medigap application, drug coverage, and effective dates before changing your existing plan.

Medicare.gov: Medigap enrollment rights

Prepare for a useful plan review

Gather your current plan documents, exact prescriptions and pharmacies, doctors, hospitals, and expected care. Check the specific plan’s network, drug list, cost sharing, annual medical spending limit, referrals, prior authorization, and travel rules. Confirm participation with both the provider and the plan.

Keep enrollment confirmation details and verify the new start date. Do not cancel coverage until the replacement arrangement is confirmed.

Compare Medicare Advantage plans step by step

Get help understanding your next step

We can explain the coverage options we offer and help you review the enrollment timing for your situation.

Sonon Insurance can explain and compare the options we are licensed and appointed to offer. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we offer. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program to get information on all of your options. Sonon Insurance is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or the federal government.

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