Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Ends March 31
Medicare Advantage enrollees have until March 31 to change plans.
![Open enrollment concept with keywords and icons on a white background with colored pencils..](jpg/ujwxrbm3v7hrt9yvpphr8b-415-80.jpg)
![Keerthi Vedantam](jpg/l355zdf4fnkw39vjyqg3qk.jpg)
Calling all Medicare Advantage enrollees: If you're looking to switch plans, your deadline is March 31.
Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, is private health insurance that has become so popular that more than half of seniors who are eligible for traditional Medicare now opt for this alternative, according to a recent report by healthcare advisory firm Chartis.
If you're already an Advantage enrollee, there are only two times a year — spring and fall — that you can switch from one plan to another or return to traditional Medicare.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hwgJ7osrMtUWhk5koeVme7-200-80.png](png/hwgj7osrmtuwhk5koevme7-320-81.png)
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
If you’re not already on an Advantage plan, however, you’ll need to wait for the fall Medicare open enrollment period. In addition, you can only join, switch or drop an Advantage plan or a Medicare drug plan (Part D) during open enrollment, according to Medicare.
Even if you're happy with your plan, experts say the open enrollment period is a good time to review which Medicare Advantage plan is right for you.
Spring enrollment started in January and runs until March 31, while fall enrollment runs concurrently with Medicare's open enrollment period, from October 15 to December 7.
While the best plan will depend on each individual's needs, there have been a slew of Advantage plans introduced in the last year alone — each touting various features — and so, choosing a plan can be overwhelming.
There are a number of things to consider. For example, the majority of beneficiaries were satisfied overall with their plans, but some found challenges, according to a Retirement Living survey of 351 Advantage beneficiaries. Respondents reported issues over telehealth services, overbilling, online and mobile app access and more.
According to MedicareResources.org, which provides consumer information about Medicare, as you consider changing your coverage:
- Find out if your preferred providers are still in-network.
- Check on whether the prescription drugs you need are now a more expensive tier.
- Compare premiums and drug costs among the various Advantage plans.
- Check to see if your plan offers the perks that matter most to you.
There is also a monthly cost of Advantage plans, which can vary widely. While many Advantage beneficiaries enroll in zero-premium plans, some select plans with higher premiums that have more favorable out-of-pocket costs or because they want to be in a specific provider's network.
Advantage enrollees who move outside of their plan's service area will need to enroll in a plan that is within their new service area.
In addition, while Advantage enrollment is up, growth is slowing as the marketplace is at an inflection point, according to the Chartis report. While the growth trend will likely continue, Advantage also faces regulatory scrutiny and other headwinds.
To help you explore options, you can find more information on Medicare plan finder, a government website designed to help you search for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans within your zip code.
You can also visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for information on plans available in your area.
RELATED CONTENT
![Keerthi Vedantam](jpg/l355zdf4fnkw39vjyqg3qk.jpg)
Keerthi Vedantam is a reporter covering finance, tech and science. She previously covered biotech and health at Crunchbase News and enterprise technology at Business Insider.
- Esther D’AmicoSenior News Editor
-
Strategies to Optimize Your Social Security Benefits
To maximize what you can collect, it’s crucial to know when you can file, how delaying filing affects your checks and the income limit if you’re still working.
By Jason “JB” Beckett Published
-
Don’t Forget to Update Beneficiaries After a Gray Divorce
Some states automatically revoke a former spouse as a beneficiary on some accounts. Waivers can be used, too. Best not to leave it up to your state, though.
By Andrew Hatherley, CDFA®, CRPC® Published
-
Starbucks BOGO and New Sweet and Spicy Drinks
For a limited time, Starbucks is announcing four new "swicy" drinks that are both spicy and sweet.
By Kathryn Pomroy Published
-
Walmart Lawsuit: Get Up to $500 as Part of a $45 Million Settlement
You could be eligible to receive up to $500 as a result of Walmart's class-action lawsuit settlement.
By Erin Bendig Published
-
Credit Card Bonuses up to $1,600 for New Cardholders
Earn up to $1,600 when you sign up for a new credit card. Here are the best welcome offers for new cardholders.
By Ellen Kennedy Published
-
March CPI Report Comes in Hot: What the Experts Are Saying About Inflation
CPI A blowout inflation report pushes back the timing of Fed rate cuts.
By Dan Burrows Published
-
How To Invest Your Tax Return
When thinking about how to invest your tax return, prioritize your financial health over aggressive – and risky – ideas like bitcoin.
By Jeff Reeves Published
-
Solar Eclipse Snacks: 25 Best Deals for Enjoying the Big Day
Watch the solar eclipse while feasting on these great deals from Burger King, MoonPie, Applebee's, Krispy Kreme and more.
By Kathryn Pomroy Last updated
-
Solar Eclipse Glasses: Where to Buy, Where to Get Them Free
Find safe solar eclipse glasses at Warby Parker, Target, Amazon and more than 13,000 libraries nationwide
By Kathryn Pomroy Last updated
-
March Jobs Growth Blows Past Estimates: What the Experts Are Saying
Jobs Report A whopper of a jobs report could complicate the Fed's rate-cut plans.
By Dan Burrows Published