The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is January 1-March 31. During this limited time, Medicare beneficiaries can change Medicare Advantage plans or switch to Traditional Medicare. If you change to Traditional Medicare, you may also obtain a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan and a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan to help cover Medicare costs, if permitted in your state.
Comparing Medicare Advantage with Traditional Medicare is confusing, however there are key distinctions. These include being limited by provider networks and prior authorization restrictions, caps on out-of-pocket expenses, included or separate prescription drug plans, among others. The Center for Medicare Advocacy has developed two consumer flyers: one notifying beneficiaries of the current Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, and another assisting beneficiaries in making the choice between Medicare Advantage and Traditional Medicare.
January 15, 2026 – C. Huberty