Medicare Advantage enrollment periods can confuse even the most prepared beneficiaries. Knowing when is open enrollment for Medicare Advantage plans helps you make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage.
We at Dave Silver Insurance see clients miss important deadlines every year, costing them better benefits and lower premiums. Understanding these enrollment windows puts you in control of your Medicare choices.
When Do Medicare Advantage Enrollment Periods Happen?
Annual Open Enrollment Runs October 15 Through December 7
The Annual Open Enrollment Period provides the broadest range of options for Medicare coverage changes. From October 15 to December 7 each year, you can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, drop your current Medicare Advantage plan for Original Medicare, or change between different Medicare Advantage plans. Changes you make during this window take effect January 1 of the next year.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services collects data on Medicare beneficiaries’ social and medical risk factors and their relationship to healthcare utilization. Many beneficiaries miss opportunities to save money or get better coverage by not comparing their options. The December 7 deadline remains firm – enrollment requests received after this date will not take effect until the next year’s coverage period.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Provides Limited Changes January 1 to March 31
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period serves existing Medicare Advantage members who want to make adjustments after they experience their plan for a few months. From January 1 to March 31, you can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another or drop your Medicare Advantage plan entirely and return to Original Medicare (with a separate Part D drug plan).
You cannot switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage during this period. Changes made during this enrollment period become effective the first day of the month after your application submission. This shorter window gives you a safety net if your Medicare Advantage plan doesn’t meet your expectations during the first quarter of the year.
Special Enrollment Periods Offer Year-Round Flexibility for Life Events
Special Enrollment Periods allow Medicare beneficiaries to make coverage changes outside the standard enrollment windows when specific life events occur. Events like moving to a new service area, losing employer coverage, or qualifying for Medicare Savings Programs trigger these special periods.
Beneficiaries enrolled in 5-star rated Medicare Advantage or Part D plans can switch plans year-round through December 8, 2025 to November 30, 2026. Dual-eligible individuals can change their coverage once per month as of 2025. These periods typically last 60 days from the qualifying event, giving you time to evaluate new options without waiting for the next Annual Open Enrollment Period.
Now that you understand when these enrollment periods occur, you need to know exactly what changes you can make during each window.
What Changes Can You Make During Each Period
Annual Open Enrollment Provides Maximum Flexibility
The Annual Open Enrollment Period provides you with the widest range of options for Medicare coverage changes. You can switch from Original Medicare to any Medicare Advantage plan available in your area, drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare, or switch between different Medicare Advantage plans. You can also add or drop prescription drug coverage during this period.
More than half (54%) of Medicare beneficiaries enroll in Medicare Advantage plans, yet approximately 69% of Medicare beneficiaries did not compare their options during the last open enrollment period. This represents a massive missed opportunity for better coverage or lower costs. The data shows that most people stick with their current plan without evaluating alternatives.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Restricts Your Options
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31 severely limits what changes you can make. You can only switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another or drop your Medicare Advantage plan for Original Medicare with a separate Part D drug plan. You cannot switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage during this period.
Changes become effective the first day of the month after your application submission. This period serves as a safety valve for beneficiaries who discover their Medicare Advantage plan doesn’t meet their needs after they experience it for the first few months of the year.
Special Enrollment Periods Require Specific Life Events
Special Enrollment Periods allow changes outside standard enrollment windows only when specific events occur. Moving to a new service area, losing employer coverage, becoming eligible for Medicare Savings Programs, or experiencing changes in your Special Needs Plan eligibility all trigger these periods.
Dual-eligible individuals can make changes once per month as of 2025. Beneficiaries in 5-star rated plans can switch year-round. These periods typically last 60 days from the event, which gives you time to evaluate options without waiting months for the next enrollment period.
Understanding what you can change during each period helps, but proper preparation makes the difference between choosing the right plan and settling for inadequate coverage.
How Do You Prepare for Medicare Advantage Enrollment
Start Your Review Three Months Before October 15
The most successful Medicare Advantage enrollments begin with thorough preparation months ahead of the October 15 deadline. Start your review of current plan performance in July or August to give yourself adequate time for research and comparison. Collect your Summary of Benefits document from your current plan and compare it against your actual healthcare usage from the previous year. Medicare.gov provides a Plan Compare tool that shows all available options in your ZIP code, including premium costs, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums for the upcoming year.
Check your prescription drug costs under your current plan versus new options. The average standard deductible for Part D coverage reaches $615 in 2025, but many plans offer lower or zero deductibles that could save you money if you take multiple medications. Document your total out-of-pocket expenses from the current year, including premiums, copays, and prescription costs. This baseline helps you evaluate whether a plan switch will actually save money or provide better benefits.
Focus on Network Changes and Star Ratings
Medicare Advantage plans change their provider networks annually, and your favorite doctors might not remain in-network for the next year. Contact your primary care physician and specialists directly to confirm their participation in plans you consider. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services uses a quality rating system that gives each plan a rating of between 1 and 5 stars. Plans rated 5 stars allow you to switch year-round (providing flexibility if your health needs change).
Average enrollment-weighted premiums for Medicare Advantage plans cost $13 per month in 2025, with 76% of enrollees paying no additional premium beyond Part B. However, focus on total annual costs rather than just monthly premiums. Plans with higher premiums often provide lower copays and deductibles that result in lower total costs for people with chronic conditions or frequent medical visits.
Gather Essential Documents and Information
Collect all necessary documentation before enrollment periods begin. You need your Medicare card, current insurance cards, and a complete list of prescription medications with dosages. Gather contact information for all your healthcare providers and specialists. Create a list of preferred hospitals and medical facilities you want to remain in-network.
Review your medical history from the past year to identify patterns in your healthcare usage. Note how often you visited specialists, had diagnostic tests, or required emergency care. This information helps you select plans with appropriate coverage levels and cost structures that match your actual healthcare needs (rather than theoretical projections).
Final Thoughts
Medicare Advantage enrollment periods follow a predictable schedule that gives you multiple opportunities to optimize your healthcare coverage. The Annual Open Enrollment from October 15 to December 7 provides maximum flexibility for plan switches or coverage type changes. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment from January 1 to March 31 offers limited adjustments for existing Medicare Advantage members, while Special Enrollment Periods throughout the year address life events.
Advance preparation makes the difference between inadequate coverage and benefits that match your healthcare needs and budget. Start your review three months before when is Open Enrollment for Medicare Advantage plans begins to compare costs, verify provider networks, and gather necessary documentation. The data shows that 69% of beneficiaries skip plan comparisons (missing opportunities for better coverage or lower costs).
We at Dave Silver Insurance provide personalized guidance on Medicare enrollment decisions. Our team offers tailored recommendations based on your unique health and financial needs to help you navigate Medicare regulations with confidence. Schedule a consultation to get clarity on your Medicare options and make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage.