Joined a Medicare Advantage plan and it isn't working out? The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) gives you a second chance. It runs January 1 through March 31 every year. In 2027, that's January 1 – March 31, 2027. Here's who can use it, what you can change, and how it differs from the other enrollment periods.
Who Can Use the MA Open Enrollment Period
- Anyone enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan on January 1
- People who are new to Medicare and joined a Medicare Advantage plan when first eligible. They can make one change within the first 3 months they have both Part A and Part B.
If you have Original Medicare, with or without a standalone Part D plan, this period doesn't apply to you. You can't use it to join Medicare Advantage or to switch Part D plans.
What You Can Change (One Time)
- Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan, with or without drug coverage
- Drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare. You can also join a standalone Part D drug plan at the same time.
You get one change during the window. The new coverage starts on the first day of the month after the plan receives your request.
Why It Matters More in 2027
Plan line-ups changed for 2027. In North Carolina, many counties have fewer Medicare Advantage plans than in 2026 (Wake County went from 47 to 35, not counting Special Needs Plans). If your plan ended and you were moved, or you picked a new plan in a hurry in December, the January – March window is your chance to fix it. See the 2027 county numbers.
A Note on Medigap in North Carolina
If you go back to Original Medicare, you may want a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan to help with the 20% Part B coinsurance and other gaps. North Carolina has no Medigap "birthday rule," so outside guaranteed-issue situations you'll usually need to answer health questions. Check whether you'd qualify before you leave your Medicare Advantage plan.
How It Differs From Other Enrollment Periods
- Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7, 2026): open to everyone with Medicare. You can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change plans, and join or change Part D. Changes take effect January 1, 2027. Read our 2027 AEP guide.
- General Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31): the same dates as MA OEP but a different purpose. It's for people who didn't sign up for Part B (or premium Part A) when first eligible and don't qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Coverage starts the month after you sign up, and late enrollment penalties may apply.
- Special Enrollment Periods: available year-round after qualifying events such as moving, losing employer coverage, or qualifying for Extra Help or Medicaid.
Before You Make a Change
- Pin down what isn't working. Is it a doctor out of network, a drug not covered, or costs higher than you expected?
- Check the new plan's network and drug list against your doctors and prescriptions.
- Compare total yearly costs, including premiums, deductibles, copays, and the plan's maximum out-of-pocket limit (up to $9,850 in-network in 2027).
- Keep in mind that you only get one change. After March 31, most people have to wait for the next Annual Enrollment Period unless they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period in 2027?
January 1 through March 31, 2027.
Can I switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage during this period?
No. It's only for people already in a Medicare Advantage plan. To join Medicare Advantage from Original Medicare, use the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) or a Special Enrollment Period.
How many changes can I make?
One. Your new coverage starts the first day of the month after the plan gets your request.
Talk It Through With a Local Agent
Triangle Life and Health is an independent agency in Raleigh, licensed since 2013. Our help is free to you. We compare plans from several carriers against your doctors, prescriptions, and budget. Book a free review or call 919-689-6565.