When is Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment 2026?

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period for 2026 runs January 1 through March 31. During this time, you can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare.

What can I do during Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment?

During OEP you can: switch from one MA plan to another MA plan, drop your MA plan and go back to Original Medicare (and join a standalone Part D plan), or drop your MA plan and join a Medigap plan (subject to underwriting in most states).

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment 2026 — What You Need To Know |

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) for 2026 runs January 1 through March 31. This is your chance to make changes if your current plan isn’t working — and many people don’t even know it exists.

What Is the MA Open Enrollment Period?

The OEP is a 3-month window at the start of each year where current Medicare Advantage enrollees can make one change:

✅ Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan
✅ Drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare (+ standalone Part D)

Important: You can only make one change during the OEP. It’s effective the first of the month after your enrollment.

OEP vs. AEP — What’s the Difference?

Feature	AEP (Oct 15 – Dec 7)	OEP (Jan 1 – Mar 31)
Who can use it	All Medicare beneficiaries	Current MA enrollees only
Number of changes	Unlimited during period	One change total
Can join MA from Original?	Yes	No

When Should You Use the OEP?

Your doctor left your plan’s network
Your prescriptions aren’t covered or cost too much
You’re unhappy with copays or the out-of-pocket maximum
You moved and your plan doesn’t serve your new area
You missed the AEP and need to make a change

Need Help Comparing Plans?

I compare every plan available in your ZIP code — for free. Call (919) 944-8443 or schedule a consultation.

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