Understanding when coverage changes are permitted can help support informed Medicare decisions. The information below explains when and how Medicare coverage changes can be made in 2026.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP)
From Jan. 1 through March 31, beneficiaries enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan may switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan or return to Original Medicare, with or without a stand-alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan. If a coverage change is made during this period, it takes effect on the first day of the month following the change.
Special Enrollment Period for Incorrect Provider Directory Information
A temporary Special Enrollment Period (SEP) may be available to those who enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan using Medicare Plan Finder and relied on incorrect provider directory information. If it is discovered within three months of the plan’s effective date that a preferred provider is not in the plan’s network, this SEP may be used to change Medicare Advantage Plans.
Other Special Enrollment Periods
Additional SEPs may be triggered by certain coverage or life events. Examples include moving outside a plan’s service area or a Medicare Advantage Plan experiencing a significant reduction in its provider network.
Fall Open Enrollment Period
Another option is to wait for Medicare’s Fall Open Enrollment Period, which occurs each year from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. Coverage changes made during this period take effect on Jan. 1 of the following year.
Assistance
For assistance, Ohioans can call the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program at 800-686-1578 (except for the incorrect provider directory information issue) or 800-MEDICARE (633-4227) to request the change.
