Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP)

In 2018, the 21st Century Cures Act eliminated the existing MA disenrollment period (MADP) that took place from January 1st through February 14th of every year. Instead, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) will take place from January 1st through March 31st annually.

OEP Allows:

MA-Only to MA-Only
MA-Only to MA-PD
MA-PD to MA-Only
MA-PD to MA-PD
MA-Only or MA-PD to Original Medicare without PDP
MA-Only or MA-PD to Original Medicare with PDP
Switching between plan benefit packages (PBP’s) of one organization

**OEP Doesn’t Allow:**

Marketing to MA enrollees is prohibited during the OEP (section II.B.5.c of the final rule)
PDP to PDP
Beneficiaries in original Medicare and cost plans cannot use the new OEP, regardless of Part D coverage
Enrollment into a cost plan during OEP is not allowed

MA Plans Can Choose to NOT Accept OEP Requests:

“In addition, an MA organization has the option under section 1851(e)(6) of the Act to voluntarily close one or more of its MA plans to OEP enrollment requests. If an MA plan is closed for OEP enrollments, then it is closed to all individuals in the entire plan service area who are making OEP enrollment requests. All MA plans must accept OEP disenrollment requests, regardless of whether or not it is open for enrollment.”