What is the Open Enrollment Period?

Open Enrollment Period (“OEP”) (January 1 — March 31)

What you can do: During OEP, Medicare beneficiaries have a 1-time option to switch from any Medicare Advantage Plan (“MA Plan”) or Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan (“MAPD Plan”), to another MA Plan or MAPD Plan.  Beneficiaries with either type of Plan may also switch back to Original Medicare during OEP. 

What you can’t do: You can’t switch MA plans more than once; you cannot change a Part D Prescription Drug Plan; and, someone on Original Medicare may not enroll in a MA Plan or a MAPD Plan.

What does this mean for you? If you enrolled in an MA plan that became effective on January 1, 2026, you now have the option until March 31st to change to a different MA plan or return to Original Medicare.