The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) runs from January 1st to March 31st, 2026, offering current Medicare Advantage beneficiaries the opportunity to adjust their coverage if their healthcare needs have changed. Starting January 1, 2026, if you're currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and find it's not meeting your needs, you'll have three full months to make important changes to your coverage.
This guide explains who qualifies for Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment, clears up common misconceptions about eligibility, and helps you understand all your options for adjusting your Medicare coverage in 2026.
Is Medicare Open Enrollment Underway Ahead of 2026?
Yes! Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment started January 1, 2026. That being said, it's important to understand that there are actually two different Medicare open enrollment periods, and they serve different purposes.
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for 2026 coverage already occurred from October 15th through December 7th, 2025. During that time, any Medicare beneficiary could enroll in, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage plans and Part D prescription drug plans, with changes taking effect January 1st, 2026.
Now, we're heading into the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP), which runs from January 1st through March 31st, 2026. This period is specifically and exclusively for people already enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans who want to make adjustments after experiencing their plan for the new year.
If you missed the Annual Enrollment Period in fall 2025, you may still have options during MA OEP 2026; but only if you're currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
What Is Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment?
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment is a period that runs annually from January 1st to March 31st and allows current Medicare Advantage beneficiaries to adjust their coverage to better meet their healthcare needs.
Unlike the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15th-December 7th), which is open to anyone eligible for Medicare, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period focuses solely on those who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and want to make changes.
Why MA OEP Exists
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period was created to give beneficiaries a "second look" opportunity. Do any of the following sound like you?
- I chose a plan during Annual Enrollment but discovered it doesn't work well for my needs
- I found that my providers aren't in the network as I expected
- I have prescription drugs that aren't covered as favorably as I thought
- I want to return to Original Medicare (Parts A and B) after trying Medicare Advantage
MA OEP provides these opportunities without requiring a qualifying life event or Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
What You Can Do During MA OEP (January 1st-March 31st, 2026)
During this time, you can make one change to your coverage:
- Switch to Another Medicare Advantage Plan: If your current Medicare Advantage plan no longer meets your needs, you can enroll in a different Medicare Advantage plan (with or without prescription drug coverage).
- Return to Original Medicare: You can drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare (Parts A and B). If you do this, you can also add a standalone Part D prescription drug plan for coverage of your medications.
What You Cannot Do During MA OEP
- Join a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time: If you currently have Original Medicare, you cannot switch to Medicare Advantage during MA OEP. You'll need to wait for the next Open Enrollment (also known as the Annual Enrollment Period) or qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
- Make multiple changes: You're limited to one change during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period.
- Switch Part D plans if you have Original Medicare: MA OEP only applies to Medicare Advantage coverage changes, not standalone Part D plans.
When Do Changes Take Effect?
Coverage changes made during Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment take effect the first day of the month after your plan receives your enrollment request.
For example, if you enroll in a new plan on February 10, 2026, your new coverage will begin March 1, 2026 (given that your plan receives your enrollment request in the month of February).
Who Can Use the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?
To participate in Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment 2026, you must meet specific criteria. Those who qualify must:
Be Currently Enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan
To participate in MA OEP, you must already be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan as of January 1, 2026. This period is not for individuals with Original Medicare or those looking to join Medicare Advantage for the first time.
This means:
✅ You currently have Medicare Advantage coverage (Part C)
❌ You have Original Medicare (Parts A and B) only
❌ You have Original Medicare with a standalone Part D plan
❌ You're new to Medicare and enrolling for the first time. To understand Initial Enrollment Period requirements, click here.
Meet Basic Medicare Eligibility Requirements
As with all Medicare coverage, you must also meet the standard eligibility requirements to participate in MA OEP:
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
- Live within the service area of your current (and any potential new) Medicare Advantage plan
- Have both Medicare Part A and Part B
There Are No Preexisting Condition Exclusions
Medicare Advantage plans cannot deny you the ability to make changes during MA OEP based on preexisting conditions. This protection ensures that you can adjust your coverage as your health needs evolve, regardless of your medical history or current health status.
Make Only One Change Per Period
While you qualify to use MA OEP if you're enrolled in Medicare Advantage, you can only make one change during the three-month period. Choose carefully; once you've switched plans or returned to Original Medicare, you cannot make another change until the next enrollment period.
Can You Change Medicare Advantage Plans Anytime During the Year?
No, you generally cannot change Medicare Advantage plans whenever you want throughout the year. However, you have several designated opportunities to make changes:
Regular Enrollment Periods for Medicare Advantage
- Annual Enrollment Period (October 15th-December 7th): Anyone with Medicare can join, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage plans. Changes are effective January 1st of the following year.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1st-March 31st): Current Medicare Advantage members only can make one change. Changes are effective the month after enrollment.
- Initial Enrollment Period (Around Your 65th Birthday): When you first become eligible for Medicare, you have a 7-month window to join a Medicare Advantage plan. The window starts 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and lasts for an additional 3 months after your birthday month.
Special Circumstances That Allow Mid-Year Changes
Another way that you may be able to change plans outside of an annual Medicare enrollment period is by qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). This can be done if you experience certain life events, such as:
- Moving to a New Service Area: If you move outside of your plan's coverage area or to a location with different plan options.
- Losing Other Health Coverage: If you lose employer coverage, COBRA, or other creditable health insurance through no fault of your own.
- Gaining Medicaid or Extra Help: As of 2026, people with both Medicare and Medicaid can change coverage once per month.
- Diagnosis of a Chronic Condition: If you are diagnosed with a qualifying chronic condition, you may be eligible to enroll in a Chronic Condition Special Needs Plan.
- Plan Changes or Terminations: If your plan ends its Medicare contract, reduces its provider network significantly, or receives consistently low quality ratings.
- Five-Star Special Enrollment Period: If a five-star rated Medicare Advantage plan is available in your area, you can join it one time per year between December 8th and November 30th.
- Institutional Care Changes: If you move into, out of, or between long-term care facilities.
Important Considerations When Using Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment 2026
Before making changes during MA OEP, consider these critical factors:
Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) Implications
If you're thinking about returning to Original Medicare from Medicare Advantage, understand that getting Medigap coverage may be challenging:
No Guaranteed Issue Rights: In most states, you don't have guaranteed issue rights to buy a Medigap policy during MA OEP. Insurance companies can:
- Deny your application based on your health
- Charge higher premiums due to preexisting conditions
- Require medical underwriting
Exceptions where you have guaranteed issue rights:
- You're in your 12-month Medicare Advantage trial period (first year of joining MA after leaving Original Medicare with Medigap)
- Your Medicare Advantage plan is leaving Medicare or reducing service area
- You moved out of your plan's service area
State variations: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and New York have more consumer-friendly Medigap rules with ongoing or annual open enrollment periods.
2026 Medicare Advantage and Part D Changes to Consider
When evaluating your options during MA OEP 2026, be aware of these important changes:
- Stable or Lower Average Premiums: The average Medicare Advantage monthly premium for 2026 is projected to decrease to $14.00 (down from $16.40 in 2025), and average Part D premiums for standalone plans decreased to $34.50 (down from $38.31 in 2025).
- Prescription Drug Cost Cap: The out-of-pocket cap for Part D prescription drugs is now $2,100 in 2026 (up from $2,000 in 2025, adjusted for inflation).
- Fewer Plan Options: The total number of Medicare Advantage plans has decreased slightly in 2026 (approximately 5,600 plans compared to 5,633 in 2025), with some insurers exiting the market or reducing offerings.
- Enhanced Provider Directories: Medicare Plan Finder now includes searchable provider directories for Medicare Advantage plans, with insurers required to provide regular updates starting January 2026.
- New Prior Authorization Requirements: Beginning in 2026, Medicare Advantage plans must follow additional requirements when making prior authorization decisions.
Network & Coverage Verification
Before switching plans during MA OEP:
- Check Provider Networks: Confirm your doctors, specialists, and hospitals are in the new plan's network.
- Review Drug Formularies: Ensure your prescriptions are covered at affordable cost-sharing levels.
- Compare Pharmacy Networks: Verify your preferred pharmacies participate in the new plan.
- Understand Prior Authorization Requirements: Some plans require approval before certain services are covered.
Timing Your Switch
Remember that changes take effect the first day of the month after your enrollment is received. To time your switch to ensure you avoid coverage gaps:
- Enroll early in the month to start new coverage sooner
- Don't drop your current coverage until your new coverage begins
- Keep paying premiums for your current plan until it officially ends
How to Verify Your Eligibility for Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment 2026
Here's how to confirm you're eligible and ready to use MA OEP:
Step 1: Confirm Your Current Medicare Advantage Enrollment
To participate in MA OEP, verify that you're currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan:
- Check your Medicare card or insurance card; it should show your Medicare Advantage plan name
Review recent billing statements or Explanation of Benefits (EOB)from your plan - Log into your Healthpilot account or call the Healthpilot team
- Log into your plan's online portal to confirm active enrollment
- Call your plan directly to verify your enrollment status
If you have Original Medicare only: You cannot use MA OEP. You'll need to wait for the next Annual Enrollment Period or qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Healthpilot can help you determine if you qualify for an SEP.
Step 2: Understand the MA OEP Timeline (January 1st-March 31st, 2026)
Mark these important dates on your calendar:
- January 1, 2026: MA OEP begins
- March 31, 2026: MA OEP ends; enrollment requests must be received by this date
- Coverage effective dates: First day of the month after your plan receives your enrollment
Planning tip: Don't wait until the last minute. Research and compare plan options using a tool like Healthpilot, and enroll early to ensure smooth processing.
Step 3: Evaluate Whether You Need to Make a Change
Before deciding to switch plans or return to Original Medicare, it’s important to assess whether a change in your coverage makes sense for you. Here are some guiding questions to get you started:
Review your current plan's performance:
- Are your doctors still in the network?
- Are your prescriptions still covered affordably?
- Have premiums, copays, or deductibles increased significantly?
- Has your plan's star rating dropped?
Consider your health needs:
- Have your medical conditions or treatment needs changed?
- Do you need access to different specialists or facilities?
- Are you satisfied with your current coverage and care?
Compare alternatives:
- Research other Medicare Advantage plans in your area
- Calculate total costs (premiums + out-of-pocket) for different scenarios
- Consider whether Original Medicare plus Medigap might better suit your needs
💡 Pro Tip: If you need help discussing your plan options with a licensed Medicare advisor, get in touch with Healthpilot. We’re here to help.
Step 4: Check for Alternative Enrollment Options
If you don't qualify for MA OEP but still want to make changes or adjustments to your plan, determine if you have other options:
Special Enrollment Periods:
- Have you moved recently?
- Did you lose other health coverage?
- Do you qualify for Medicaid or Extra Help?
- Is your plan ending its contract or significantly reducing its network?
Five-Star Special Enrollment Period:
- Is there a five-star Medicare Advantage plan available in your area?
- Have you already used your once-per-year five-star enrollment for 2026?
Step 5: Gather Information for Plan Comparison
Before choosing a new plan, collect:
- A list of all of your prescription medications (including their names, dosages, and frequency)
- The names and addresses of your doctors, specialists, and hospitals
- Your referred pharmacies
- Your Medicare number and card
- Your current plan information (for reference)
Step 6: Compare Plans & Enroll
Use a Medicare plan finder like Healthpilot:
- Enter your ZIP code
- Add your prescriptions
- Compare costs, coverage, and star ratings
- Check provider and pharmacy networks
Enroll in your chosen plan:
- Directly through Healthpilot
- Online at Medicare.gov
- By calling the plan directly
- By calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY: 1-877-486-2048
- By requesting and submitting a paper application
Simplify Your Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Decisions With Healthpilot
Navigating Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment can feel overwhelming, especially with all the plan changes, network updates, and coverage options for 2026. At Healthpilot, we take the complexity out of Medicare so you can make confident decisions about your healthcare coverage.
How Healthpilot Helps You During MA OEP 2026
Understand Your Eligibility Get clear, personalized guidance about whether you qualify for Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment or if another enrollment period better fits your situation.
Compare 2026 Medicare Advantage Plans Side-by-Side Explore comprehensive comparisons of:
- Monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs
- Provider networks and pharmacy access
- Prescription drug formularies and cost-sharing
- Plan benefits including dental, vision, and hearing
- Star ratings and quality measures
Get Expert Guidance Our licensed Medicare advisors can help you:
- Evaluate whether switching plans makes sense for your needs
- Understand the implications of returning to Original Medicare
- Navigate Medigap options if you leave Medicare Advantage
- Calculate your total expected costs under different scenarios
- Avoid costly mistakes and coverage gaps
Access Tools and Resources Use our easy-to-navigate platform to:
- Check if your doctors and prescriptions are covered
- See real costs based on your specific medications
- Review 2026 plan changes and updates
- Get reminders about important deadlines
- Track enrollment periods throughout the year
Stay Informed Year-Round Medicare doesn't stop after open enrollment. Healthpilot provides:
- Ongoing coverage monitoring as your needs evolve
- Alerts about plan changes that affect you
- Guidance on Special Enrollment Periods if you qualify
- Support whenever you have Medicare questions