The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) happens at the start of every year. This enrollment period is only for people who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. During this time, people who have Medicare Advantage can switch plans or even return to Original Medicare with or without Part D drug coverage.
When is Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment?
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment dates are from January 1 to March 31 of each year. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can use this time to do any of the following:
- Change Medicare Advantage plans by switching to a plan with or without prescription drug coverage.
- Switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare.
Understanding these Medicare Advantage enrollment deadlines and dates can help you make changes that you need on time — so that you can make the most of your benefits.
What is the difference between Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) and Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP)?
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period and Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (AEP and OEP) are often mistaken for one another. But they are different enrollment periods. Here’s how they’re different:
- Medicare AEP – Happens October 1 – December 7 every year. It allows people with and without Medicare Advantage to:
- Join, drop or switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan with or without drug coverage.
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan or from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare
- Join, drop or switch to another Medicare drug plan if you’re in Original Medicare
- Medicare Advantage OEP – Happens January 1 – March 31 every year. It allows only people who already have Medicare Advantage to:
- Switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan with or without drug coverage
- Drop a Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare
- Join a separate Medicare drug plan
There are also Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) for people when certain things happen. The timing of these periods and what you can do during them varies depending on your situation.
- Your current plan dropping its contract with Medicare
- Loss of existing coverage, including drug or COBRA coverage
- A primary address change that affects your coverage
- Have recently turned 65 and are new to Medicare
- Losing your current coverage or have you moved recently
- Have both Medicare and Medicaid
- Have a chronic condition
Learn more about the different Medicare enrollment periods
Explore Aetna Medicare Advantage plans
How to prepare for the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
Getting ready for Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment? Be sure to review your current plan’s benefits first. Here are some other things to think about in the meantime:
- Your health care needs – Consider your current care needs. They may change a lot year to year, and your plan may need to change with them.
- Your out-of-pocket costs – How much are you paying out of pocket each year? Open Enrollment is a great chance to consider whether your out-of-pocket costs align with your health care needs.
- Your location – Will you be traveling a lot? Consider whether your current plan will still cover you.
- Your prescriptions – Open Enrollment is a great chance to pick up or drop Part D prescription drug coverage from your plan. Consider whether you’ll be taking prescription drugs in the coming year and which ones you’ll need covered.
View the Aetna Medicare Enrollment Checklist
When the time comes to make your coverage decisions, Aetna® Medicare has the tools and resources you can use to choose a plan that fits your needs:
- Plan comparisons
- Guidance on how to enroll
- Enrollment FAQ
- Talk to a licensed insurance agent at 1-833-771-6642 (TTY: 711), 7 days a week, 8 AM to 8 PM.
Need help paying your medical costs? Medicare Extra Help can cover some Part D drug costs. You can also see if you qualify for Medicaid.
Your health care needs are as unique as you are. That’s why Aetna offers a wide variety of plans built to fit those needs. Aetna is backed by CVS Health®, which allows us to offer combined pharmacy and care solutions. When you switch to Aetna during Open Enrollment, you gain access to personalized care options and support that can help keep you on top of your health.
Disclaimers
Aetna is part of the CVS Health® family of companies.