Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (Jan 1 to Mar 31): What You Can Change in Washington
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment runs January 1 through March 31 each year. If you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, this is your opportunity to make a one-time change if your plan is not fitting the way you expected.
This period is especially helpful if your doctors, prescriptions, or costs changed after the plan year started. Many people do not notice network or prescription issues until they fill prescriptions or schedule appointments in January or February.
Who Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment is for
This enrollment window is for people who:
- Are currently enrolled in Medicare Advantage
- Want to make a change during the first part of the year
If you are in Original Medicare, this is usually not the time to newly enroll into Medicare Advantage. Most “new to Medicare Advantage” decisions happen during Medicare Annual Open Enrollment (Oct 15 to Dec 7).
What you can do during Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment
During Jan 1 to Mar 31, you can make one of these changes:
1) Switch Medicare Advantage plans
You can move from your current Medicare Advantage plan to a different Medicare Advantage plan.
2) Drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare
You can leave Medicare Advantage and go back to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). If you need prescription coverage, you can also enroll in a standalone Part D plan.
Why a mid-window plan review is worth it
A mid-window reminder matters because you have had time to see how the plan works in real life.
Here are the most common reasons people consider a change:
Your doctors or hospital are out of network
Medicare Advantage plans use provider networks. If your preferred doctor, specialist, or hospital is no longer in-network, you may face higher costs or limited access.
Quick check: Confirm your primary care provider, specialists, and preferred hospital are still in-network for your plan this year.
Your prescriptions cost more than expected
Drug formularies and pharmacy networks can change. A medication may be covered differently, require prior authorization, or cost more at your preferred pharmacy.
Quick check: Look at your prescription costs at your usual pharmacy and confirm any restrictions.
Your out-of-pocket costs are higher than planned
Sometimes the premium looks great, but copays, deductibles, and service costs add up quickly. If your costs do not match what you expected, you still have time to review options before March 31.
When Medicare Advantage changes take effect
In many cases, changes made during this period take effect the first day of the month after the plan receives your enrollment request.
Washington Medicare help and resources
Washington residents can get free, unbiased Medicare education through SHIBA, the state program that helps people understand Medicare options and enrollment rules.
FAQ
What are the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment dates?
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment runs January 1 through March 31 each year.
Can I switch Medicare Advantage plans during this period?
Yes. If you are currently enrolled in Medicare Advantage, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan during this window.
Can I drop Medicare Advantage and go back to Original Medicare?
Yes. You can return to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), and you may add a Part D plan for prescriptions if needed.
Is this the same as Medicare Annual Open Enrollment?
No. Medicare Annual Open Enrollment is October 15 through December 7 and is the primary time most people compare plans for the next year.
