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Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (Jan 1 - March 31): What You Need to Know

Writer's picture: Jamie ByrdJamie Byrd

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The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) runs from January 1 to March 31 each year. This period is designed for folks already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and wanting to change their coverage. This is a good time if you signed up for the wrong plan during the Medicare Annual Enrollment or if your current plan is not meeting your needs - now is the time to change your Medicare Advantage Plan or return to Original Medicare.


What Changes Can You Make During the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment?

During this time, you can:

  1. Switch to a Different Medicare Advantage Plan:

    1. This is the time to work with a licensed Medicare advisor to look at your options, compare plans, and provide what is best suited for your needs.

  2. Return to Original Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B

    1. If you decide Medicare Advantage is not right for you, you can switch back to Original Medicare.

    2. If you switch back to Original Medicare, you will also need to enroll in a Prescription Drug Pla.n


What Changes You Cannot Make During MA OEP

  1. Enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan for the first time. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment is only for those already enrolled in Medicare Advantage

  2. Switch or enroll in a standalone Prescription Drug Plan, Part D, if you are not leaving a Medicare Advantage Plan.


When to Consider Making Changes

You may want to take advantage of the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment if:

  1. Your healthcare needs have changed. For example, your medications or preferred doctors are no longer covered.

  2. Your costs increased. If your premiums, deductibles, or out-of-pocket maximums are no longer financially manageable.

  3. If you are not happy with your plan. This can include limited network options, benefit changes, or poor service from your provider.


Steps to Take During MA OEP

  1. Review Your Current Plan

    1. Assess how well your current Medicare Advantage Plan worked for you last year. Look up premiums, copays, and coverage for your healthcare needs.

  2. Compare Other Plans

    1. When you work with a licensed advisor, they can help you compare plans.

  3. Consider Returning to Original Medicare

    1. If Medicare Advantage is not working, Original Medicare may be a better fit.

    2. If you return to Original Medicare, you will need to add a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan to supplement the 20% not covered by Original Medicare and also enroll in a standalone Prescription Drug Plan.

  4. Get Expert Help

    1. Remember, when working with a licensed advisor, they can help you better understand your plan before making any permanent decisions.

    2. Scheduling a Review of your plan and benefits is always free when working with a licensed advisor from The Bedrock Group.


Why The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is Important

This period is essential because it is your chance to fix coverage issues that could have surfaced since the Medicare Annual Enrollment. Taking advantage of this time ensures you have the right plan for your healthcare and financial needs for the remainder of the year.


Key Medicare Deadlines to Remember

  • Start Date: January 1

  • End Date: March 31

  • Changes you make will take effect the first day of the following month


Avoid Common Mistakes

  1. Don't miss the deadline. This is your only opportunity to change your Medicare Advantage Plan until October's next Annual Enrollment Period.

  2. Beware of Scams. Only make changes while working with trusted sources like Medicare or local licensed agents.



Key Takeaways

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is a second chance to ensure your healthcare coverage is aligned with your needs. This is the time to evaluate your options, whether switching plans or returning to Original Medicare to make the best choice for your health and financial situation.


If you want assistance, please schedule an appointment with a local licensed advisor for personalized support. The Bedrock Group has an entire Medicare Division, Senior Solutions, ready to help.



Please read below if you want more information about the Bedrock Group and all we have to offer.


 

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Looking to Learn More?

At The Bedrock Group, we are a Veteran and First-Responder-owned, full-service insurance agency dedicated to helping you navigate your insurance and financial needs. We proudly offer complimentary consultations and no-cost Medicare Reviews.


Our main office is located in New Albany, Indiana, with additional locations, including a Senior Resource Center in Stanford, Kentucky, and a full-service agency in Asheville, North Carolina.


We have advisors in 48 states ready to help with a wide range of services, including:


  • Life Insurance

  • Wealth Management

  • Medicare Plans

  • Medicare Advantage & Supplement (Medigap) Plans

  • Hospital Indemnity

  • Final Expense (Burial Planning)

  • Mortgage Protection

  • Business Insurance

  • Retirement Planning

  • Medicare Enrollment Assistance

  • And more!


Have Medicare questions? Call our team at 502-200-1516 for help over the phone.


To Schedule an in-person Medicare Benefits Review, please visit www.bedrockfg.com/scheduleappointment


At The Bedrock Group and Senior Solutions, we're here to help!


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© 2025 The Bedrock Group

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area.

Please contact Medicare.gov or ‍1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information. Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.

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