Posted on Dec 21st, 2025.

The Medicare Advantage (MA) Open Enrollment Period (OEP) takes place from January 1 – March 31 each year. During this period, individuals who are enrolled in an MA plan (with or without drug coverage), including newly MA-eligible individuals, can make a one-time election to:

• Switch to another MA plan (with or without drug coverage), or

• Drop their MA plan and return to Original Medicare (with or without drug coverage)

Here’s what you need to know

When is the OEP?

• January 1 through March 31 each year.
• For newly MA-eligible individuals, the OEP begins the month of entitlement to both Part A and Part B and continues through the last day of the third month of entitlement.
• This is known as the Initial Coverage Election Period (ICEP)

When do MA OEP plan elections take effect?

• -The effective date for an MA OEP election is the first of the month following receipt of the enrollment request

Who can use the MA OEP?

• Individuals enrolled in an MAPD plan or an MA-only plan

What changes can be made during the MA OEP?  

• -Individuals enrolled in an MAPD plan can use the OEP to get a different MAPD plan, an MA-only plan or Original Medicare (with or without a PDP)
• -Individuals enrolled in an MA-only plan can use the OEP to switch to a different MA-only plan, an MAPD plan, or Original Medicare (with or without a PDP)

What types of changes are not allowed during the OEP?

• -Individuals enrolled in Original Medicare cannot use the OEP to join an MA or MAPD plan, add a PDP or change their PDP.
• -In addition, the OEP is not available to those enrolled in Medicare Savings Accounts or other Medicare health plan types (such as cost plans or PACE)

How many plan elections can be made during OEP?

• -Only one

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO?

• -Call Mercy as soon as possible for further information
• -Click and schedule your appointment
• -Email us if you prefer for us to contact you