The Medicare Advantage OEP (MA OEP) allows current Medicare Advantage members to adjust their coverage. People who are enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) only are not eligible to participate.
When Is the MA OEP?
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) runs from January 1 to March 31 each year. A change made during the MA OEP takes effect the first day of the month after the request is received. For example, if you switch to a new Medicare Advantage plan in January, your new coverage begins February 1.
There are also some individual circumstances where MA OEP might take place outside the January – March timeline. For example, when someone first becomes eligible for Medicare, usually during their Initial Enrollment Period, they may choose to sign up for Medicare Advantage. That member would have their own three month MA OEP following their entitlement, regardless of the time of year.
How Is MA OEP Different from Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?
It's easy to get these two periods confused, especially because the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is sometimes referred to as Medicare Open Enrollment or Fall Open Enrollment. But these periods take place at different times, and each has their own rules.
The Medicare AEP takes place each year from October 15 to December 7. Anyone already enrolled in Original Medicare (which includes Parts A and B) or Medicare Advantage can make changes. People have a broad range of options to adjust their coverage during AEP. This includes signing up for Medicare Advantage from Original Medicare.
The Medicare Advantage OEP (MA OEP) is more limited. Only current Medicare Advantage members can make changes to their plans during this time.
What Changes Can Be Made During MA OEP?
If you're a Medicare Advantage plan member, you can take the following steps during MA OEP:
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another Medicare Advantage plan, with or without Part D (prescription drug) coverage. You could choose a plan from the same carrier or a different one.
- Drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare. If you choose this option, you’ll also be able to enroll in a standalone Part D plan. Learn more about how Medicare Advantage compares to Original Medicare.
Note that only one change is permitted during MA OEP.
What to Consider Ahead of MA OEP
Whether you are new to Medicare Advantage or you’ve had the same plan for years, you can take this opportunity to better optimize your coverage. Utilize your coverage early if it’s new to you. Ensure your preferred doctors are in network, you are comfortable with the deductible and copays, and you have the extra benefits you need, like dental, vision and hearing.
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Can I enroll in Medicare Advantage for the first time during the MA OEP?
No, the MA OEP is for people already enrolled in Medicare Advantage. It allows them to change their current coverage. You can sign up for Original Medicare for the first time during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). The IEP is the seventh month period that starts 3 months before and ends three months after the month of your 65th birthday.
You may also be able to sign up during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). If you have certain chronic conditions, you qualify for or lose eligibility for Medicaid, your Medicare Advantage plan exits your area, or you experience other unique circumstances, you might qualify for the SEP.
What Happens if I Miss the Medicare Advantage OEP?
If you don’t take any action during the MA OEP, your Medicare coverage will remain the same. Your next opportunity to make changes to your existing Medicare coverage would be during the Annual Enrollment Period in the Fall, or if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
What if I Need Help Deciding How to Get My Medicare Benefits?
Visit the Medicare Plan Finder at medicare.gov/plan-compare to find and compare plans in your area. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048) for details 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Or visit medicare.gov/talk-to-someone.
Interested in Medicare Advantage? Contact Wellcare to find a plan that fits your needs.
8 a.m.-8 p.m., 7 days a week.
More About Medicare Advantage
- What Is a D-SNP? Understanding Dual Special Needs Plans
- Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs): Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What Is a PPO?
- What Is an HMO?
- Medicare HMO vs. PPO Plans: What’s the Difference?
- Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare
Sources
Medicare.gov: Talk to Someone
Medicare.gov: Compare Plans
