The Annual Deadline to Make Certain Medicare Advantage Changes Is Fast Approaching

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) ends on March 31. This enrollment period allows people who are currently enrolled in an MA plan to make a single coverage change. MA OEP changes take effect on the first day of the following month, so those choosing to switch coverage would have that new coverage beginning April 1.

What Changes Are Allowed

The MA OEP allows people with MA plans (with or without drug coverage) to switch to another MA plan (with or without drug coverage) or return to Original Medicare (OM), with the option to join a separate Part D plan.

Considerations Before Switching to Original Medicare

Depending on the state and the length of time they were enrolled in MA, some people leaving MA for OM may not be able to purchase a supplemental Medigap plan. Medigaps are health insurance policies that work with Original Medicare and pay part or all of certain remaining costs such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments after Original Medicare pays first. There are federally protected times when someone can purchase a Medigap. But insurers in many states can refuse to sell Medigap policies, impose certain medical requirements, charge a higher monthly premium, and/or require a six-month waiting period before the Medigap will cover pre-existing conditions.

There are federally protected times when someone can purchase a Medigap.

People who want to leave their MA plan and enroll in Original Medicare should contact Medigap insurers in their state to learn if they can purchase a Medigap policy. You can also check with your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to learn about your state’s rules.

Considerations Before Switching to a New Plan

You may choose to start your search by reaching out to one of your most important providers to find plans where they are in-network. Once you have narrowed your options, you can better research plan details.

Call the plan itself to confirm what you have learned.

Once you have tentatively selected a plan, also call the plan itself to confirm what you have learned. Make sure an MA plan includes your doctors and hospitals in its network or has reasonable alternatives that fit your needs. Confirm that a Part D plan covers all your drugs, and that your pharmacies are in the preferred network. Write down everything about your conversation, including the date, the representative you spoke to, and any outcomes or next steps. These details may help protect you in case a plan representative gives you misinformation.

How to Enroll in a New Plan

If you decide to switch to a new plan, the best way to enroll is via the Medicare Plan Finder website or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Enrolling directly through these official Medicare platforms can protect you in case you receive incorrect information from Medicare sources or run into problems with your plan. In 2026, people who enroll directly through the online platform will be given a Special Enrollment Period if they relied on incorrectly listed network information. If you choose to contact an MA plan directly to make changes, make sure you submit disenrollment and enrollment requests at the same time to avoid errors.

Where to Go for Help

• Your local SHIP provides free, highly trained, one-on-one, unbiased Medicare assistance. There are 54 SHIPs (one in each of the 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands). Visit www.shiphelp.org and click on the “Find local Medicare help” button in the upper right corner to contact your SHIP.
• You can also go directly to Medicare through Medicare Plan Finder or by dialing 1-800-MEDICARE.
• Medicare Rights can provide additional assistance, answering your questions and troubleshooting issues you may have. Call our national helpline at 800-333-4114.