Every year, Medicare beneficiaries have specific windows of time when they can review and change their coverage. One important period happening right now is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment, a once-a-year opportunity for people already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan to make a change that better fits their needs.

What Is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs from January 1 through March 31 each year. It applies only if you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan.

During this window, you get one chance to make a change, such as:

• Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan (with or without prescription drug coverage), or
• Drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare (and, if needed, add a separate Part D prescription drug plan).

Changes made during this period take effect on the first day of the month after your request is received, so timing matters.

Why This Open Enrollment Period Matters

Health needs and plan offerings can change from year to year. Maybe your current Medicare Advantage plan’s network no longer includes your preferred providers. Or perhaps changes in prescription coverage or premiums have made a different plan a better fit. Whatever your situation, this enrollment window gives you a second chance to reassess and align your coverage with your current health needs, without waiting for the regular Medicare Annual Enrollment Period that occurs in the fall.

Learn More from Our Medicare Series

Recently, we put together a series of articles to help you better understand Medicare and the choices you may face as you approach, enroll, or reassess your coverage. Here are a few Medicare-themed articles you might find especially useful:

• Medicare Basics: What You Need to Know — A clear overview of how Medicare works, key parts of coverage, and what to consider as you prepare for enrollment decisions.
• Understanding the Real Costs of Medicare — Breaks down common out-of-pocket costs and why evaluating expenses is crucial when choosing or comparing plans.
• IRMAA in 2025: What High-Income Retirees Should Know — Explains the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount that may affect Medicare Part B and Part D costs.
• Medigap Insurance: A Retirement Guide — A deep dive into Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance, how it works, and when it may be worth considering.

Take Action While the Window Is Open

If you’re currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, now is the time to review your coverage. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period gives you a chance to fine-tune your plan to better support your health needs for the year ahead.

As always, if you have questions or need help comparing options, we’re here to walk through your choices and support you.