Understanding the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MAOEP)

If you are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, there is a special window each year that gives you a chance to make changes if your plan is not meeting your needs. This period is called the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MAOEP).

• When is MAOEP?
  • MAOEP runs January 1 through March 31 each year.
• Who Can Use MAOEP?
  • You can use MAOEP only if you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.

What Changes Can You Make?

During MAOEP, you may:

• Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
• Drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare (Parts A & B) – but it’s important to check whether you can secure a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy first, since Medigap enrollment is not guaranteed and may require medical underwriting.
• If you return to Original Medicare, you can also enroll in a stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan

What You Cannot Do During MAOEP

• You cannot enroll in Medicare Advantage for the first time
• You cannot switch stand-alone Part D plans unless you first leave Medicare Advantage
• You can only make one change during this period

Why This Matters

Many people discover after January 1 that:

• Their doctors are no longer in-network
• Prescription drug costs are higher than expected
• Referrals or prior authorizations are more restrictive

MAOEP is designed to give you a second chance to adjust if your plan is not a good fit.

Get Free, Unbiased Help

If you live in Santa Clara County, HICAP offers free and confidential Medicare counseling. Our trained counselors can help you:

• Compare Medicare Advantage plans
• Understand costs, networks, and drug coverage
• Decide whether Original Medicare may be a better option for you

Contact HICAP today to schedule an appointment and make an informed decision about your Medicare coverage.

Call our Appointment Hotline at (408) 350-3288, or visit our Appointments page to view available in-person counseling sites throughout Santa Clara County.

 

This project was supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $432,451.00 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government. Support provided by the California Department of Aging.