Each year, Medicare beneficiaries have an opportunity to review and change their health and drug coverage during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which runs from October 15 through December 7. During this time, you can switch between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage plan, change Medicare Advantage plans, or update your Part D prescription drug coverage.
But what happens if you don't make any changes by December 7, or if you enroll in a plan and later discover it isn't the right fit? There's good news: some additional opportunities exist depending on the type of coverage you have.
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, you have a second chance to make changes during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP), which runs from January 1 through March 31, 2026.
During the OEP, you may:
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another (with or without drug coverage), or
- Disenroll from your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare (and, if you wish, join a standalone Part D prescription drug plan).
This period is especially helpful if you realize early in the year that your current plan isn't working for you.
If You Find Out Your Doctor Isn't in the Network
Sometimes, after joining a Medicare Advantage plan, beneficiaries discover that their doctor or specialist is not actually in the plan's network, even though they appeared to be listed in the provider directory.
If this happens you don't have to stay locked into a plan that doesn't meet your needs. You can use the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31, 2026) to switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan that includes your doctors, or go back to Original Medicare and select a Part D drug plan.
Important: OEP Does Not Apply to Medigap or Standalone Drug Plans
The OEP only applies to people currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. If you have Original Medicare with a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan and a Part D prescription drug plan, you cannot make changes to your drug plan or switch into a Medicare Advantage plan during the OEP.
Any changes to drug plans or a switch to Medicare Advantage must be made during the Annual Enrollment Period, which ends December 7, 2025.
After that date, you'll generally have to wait until the next year's AEP unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) (for example, if you move or lose other coverage).
We are here to make your Medicare Journey 123Easy, so if you need us, we're always ready to help.
By American Retirement Advisors
American Retirement Advisors helps retirees and pre-retirees navigate Medicare, estate planning, and retirement income — so you can enjoy the retirement you've earned.
You Might Also Like
- It's Almost Medicare Open Enrollment Time Again...
Medicare & Healthcare · Tammy Semler - Medigap Supplement Cancellations, Premium Refunds, and Social Security Letters
Medicare & Healthcare · Tammy Semler - Medicare Moment: So Many Enrollment Periods... So Little Time
Medicare & Healthcare · Tammy Semler
Easy Eddie's Take
Let's take a look at this together. A question I hear all the time is, "Can I change my Medicare plan after open enrollment ends?" As The article explains, the answer depends on what type of Medicare coverage you have. If you're in a Medicare Advantage plan through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, you get that second bite at the apple from January 1st through March 31st, 2026.
Here's what most people are surprised to learn: that Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period can be a real lifesaver if you discover your new plan has a narrow provider network or your medications aren't covered the way you expected. Think of it as a safety net built right into the Medicare system. You can switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare Part A and Part B, plus add a standalone Part D prescription drug plan.
The key thing to remember is that this flexibility only applies to Medicare Advantage enrollees. If you have Original Medicare with a Medigap supplement policy, you'll need to wait for the next Annual Enrollment Period unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to moving or losing coverage. A little preparation today can make a big difference tomorrow.