Definition · Pharmacy, Medicare enrollment, and access

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP)

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) runs January 1 to March 31 each year. People already in a Medicare Advantage plan can make one change. They can switch to another Medicare Advantage plan, or drop to Original Medicare and add a Part D drug plan. The change takes effect the first day of the following month.

What the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is

The OEP is a second chance for Medicare Advantage enrollees. It runs January 1 through March 31. During it, an enrollee can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan, with or without drug coverage. Or they can leave Medicare Advantage for Original Medicare and join a standalone Part D plan. Only one change is allowed.

It is narrower than the fall Annual Enrollment Period. People in Original Medicare cannot use it to join Medicare Advantage. Someone with only a standalone Part D plan cannot use it to switch drug plans. Each change takes effect the first of the month after the plan gets the request.

Marketing rules still apply. Agents cannot cold call or send unsolicited texts, and plans may not knowingly target Medicare Advantage enrollees with unsolicited marketing during the OEP. Rivvi is a HIPAA-compliant AI workspace with an action layer for calls and texts. Brokers can use it for follow-up with clients who asked for contact, with the Scope of Appointment captured first.

Questions

The Medicare Advantage OEP, answered

Who can use the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?

People enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan on January 1 can use it. People new to Medicare who joined Medicare Advantage also get a similar window in their first 3 months. People in Original Medicare, with or without a Part D plan, cannot use it.

How many changes can you make during OEP?

One. You can switch to another Medicare Advantage plan, or drop Medicare Advantage for Original Medicare and add a Part D plan. After that change, you cannot make another until the next eligible window, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Is OEP the same as Open Enrollment?

Not quite. Medicare.gov uses Open Enrollment for the fall window, October 15 to December 7, which brokers call AEP. OEP usually means the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, January 1 to March 31. Check which one a source means before acting on it.

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Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP)

What the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is

The Medicare Advantage OEP, answered

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