The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) runs every year from January 1 through March 31. It is the federal three-month window during which Medicare Advantage enrollees can make ONE change to their plan choice. The MA OEP exists as the AEP correction window — designed for beneficiaries who realize after January 1 that the plan choice they made during the Annual Enrollment Period doesn't actually work for them.
During the MA OEP, a Georgia Medicare Advantage enrollee can:
- Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan (with or without drug coverage), or
- Disenroll from Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare (with the option to add a standalone Part D Prescription Drug Plan)
The MA OEP is limited to one change per OEP. Once a beneficiary exercises their OEP change, they cannot make additional MA-related changes until the next AEP (October 15 - December 7) — unless a Special Enrollment Period applies.
The MA OEP is established by federal statute and implementing regulation.
The MA OEP was created by the 21st Century Cures Act of 2016, which replaced the prior Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP). The MADP had run for six weeks in January and early February and only permitted MA-to-Original Medicare disenrollment (not MA-to-MA switches). The Cures Act expansion gave MA enrollees a full three months and added the MA-to-MA switching option.
For Georgia, the MA OEP affects hundreds of thousands of Medicare Advantage enrollees statewide — every one of whom has one OEP change opportunity each year. The MA OEP is particularly important for:
- AEP marketing fraud victims who need to escape a plan they didn't really choose
- Beneficiaries who discovered after January 1 that their new plan dropped a critical medication or provider
- Beneficiaries who want to return to Original Medicare after an unsuccessful MA experience
- Snowbird Georgians whose travel patterns make MA's narrow networks unworkable
Critically, the MA OEP is NOT available to Original Medicare beneficiaries who did not enroll in MA during AEP. If you are in Original Medicare on January 1, the MA OEP does not apply to you — you must wait for AEP or a qualifying SEP to make plan changes.
This guide explains the federal MA OEP framework, the one-change-per-OEP limit, the effective date rules, the coordination with AEP and other enrollment windows, the Medigap implications, the LEP analysis, and the Georgia-specific marketplace context.
The Federal MA OEP Framework
Statutory and regulatory authority
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is established by federal statute and implementing regulation. The governing statute specifies that the OEP runs from January 1 through March 31 each year and allows MA enrollees to make one election change during the window.
The implementing regulation specifies:
- The January 1 - March 31 window
- The one-change-per-OEP limit
- The effective date — first day of the month following enrollment
- The permitted plan change options (MA-to-MA, MA-to-Original-with-optional-PDP)
- The exclusion of Original Medicare beneficiaries
History: from MADP to MA OEP
Before 2019, the relevant window was the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP):
- Ran for six weeks in January and early February
- Permitted only disenrollment from MA back to Original Medicare
- Did NOT permit MA-to-MA switching
- Was viewed as inadequate for many beneficiaries who had a "buyer's remorse" AEP choice but didn't want to leave MA entirely
The 21st Century Cures Act of 2016 included provisions that:
- Extended the window from six weeks to three months (January 1 - March 31)
- Added MA-to-MA switching as a permitted option
- Renamed the window from MADP to MA OEP
- Was effective starting in 2019
The MA OEP has continued under this framework, with CMS issuing annual guidance on implementation through the Annual Call Letter.
One change per OEP
A beneficiary can make exactly one election change during the MA OEP. Once the beneficiary exercises their OEP change, no additional MA-related changes are permitted until:
- The next Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7), or
- A qualifying Special Enrollment Period (loss of coverage, move, plan termination, 5-star, FEMA disaster, dual-eligible quarterly SEP, etc.)
This one-change limit is operationally important. A beneficiary who switches from MA Plan A to MA Plan B on February 15 and then realizes on March 10 that MA Plan B isn't right either cannot use OEP again — the one OEP change has been exhausted. They must wait or qualify for an SEP.
Effective date rules
MA OEP changes take effect on the first day of the month following enrollment:
| Enrollment month | Effective date |
|---|---|
| January (any day) | February 1 |
| February (any day) | March 1 |
| March (any day) | April 1 |
This contrasts with AEP, where all changes take effect January 1 regardless of when during AEP the beneficiary enrolled. The OEP first-day-of-following-month rule means an OEP change made March 30 still takes effect April 1, just like a change made March 1.
Permitted plan change options
The MA OEP permits exactly two categories of change:
Category 1: MA-to-MA switch. The beneficiary disenrolls from their current MA plan and enrolls in a different MA plan. The new MA plan may be:
- MA-only (no drug coverage) — typically requires adding a standalone PDP, but PDP enrollment is generally not allowed during MA OEP for someone staying in MA. This is an edge case.
- MA-PD (MA with prescription drug coverage)
Category 2: MA-to-Original Medicare disenrollment. The beneficiary disenrolls from their MA plan and returns to Original Medicare. With this category, the beneficiary may also:
- Enroll in a standalone Part D PDP
- Apply for a Medigap policy (subject to underwriting in Georgia unless a guaranteed-issue scenario applies)
What is NOT permitted during the MA OEP:
- Original Medicare beneficiaries enrolling in MA (must use AEP or qualifying SEP)
- Standalone PDP-only beneficiaries changing PDPs (must use AEP or qualifying SEP)
- MA enrollees adding or dropping Part D coverage outside the categories above
- Multiple OEP changes
- Enrollment in a plan for a future plan year (OEP changes are for the current plan year only)
Marketing restrictions during OEP
CMS prohibits Medicare Advantage plans and agents from conducting marketing aimed at influencing OEP enrollment decisions. Specifically, plans and agents may not:
- Make unsolicited contact with beneficiaries during OEP
- Advertise specifically to OEP-eligible beneficiaries
- Send mailings, emails, or texts targeting OEP timing
- Imply that beneficiaries have a "second chance" to enroll during OEP
Plans MAY:
- Respond to inbound inquiries from beneficiaries who initiate contact
- Provide information requested by beneficiaries
- Conduct general (non-OEP-specific) marketing during the OEP window
These OEP-specific marketing restrictions are tighter than the general MCMG provisions. Violations can result in CMS sanctions, including marketing suspension and intermediary sanctions.
Coordination with Other Windows
MA OEP vs AEP
| Feature | AEP | MA OEP |
|---|---|---|
| Dates | October 15 - December 7 | January 1 - March 31 |
| Effective date | January 1 | First day of month following enrollment |
| Who can use | All Medicare beneficiaries | MA enrollees only |
| Number of changes | Unlimited within window | One change only |
| MA-to-MA switch | Yes | Yes |
| MA-to-Original | Yes | Yes |
| Original-to-MA | Yes | NO |
| Standalone PDP change | Yes (for anyone) | Only if leaving MA |
| Add Part D to Original | Yes | NO |
| Drop Part D | Yes | NO (Part D-specific change requires AEP) |
MA OEP and Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)
SEPs operate alongside MA OEP. A beneficiary may use either OEP or an SEP for plan changes, but should choose the more advantageous window:
- Working Aged SEP: Triggered by loss of employer coverage. May permit Part B enrollment plus MA/PDP enrollment, broader than OEP.
- 5-star SEP: Year-round, permits one enrollment in a 5-star plan. Operates during OEP and outside.
- Plan termination SEP: If your MA plan terminates or leaves your area, you get an SEP to choose a replacement plan, not just an OEP change.
- Geographic move SEP: A move outside your MA plan's service area triggers an SEP, which may be broader than OEP.
- FEMA disaster SEP: Federal disaster declarations trigger SEPs for affected beneficiaries.
- Loss of Medicaid SEP: Triggered by loss of Medicaid (or dual-eligible status), broader than OEP.
- Misinformation SEPs (Exceptional Conditions): Several misinformation-triggered SEPs are available under CMS rules.
- Dual-eligible quarterly SEP: Full-benefit dual eligibles get a quarterly SEP — typically preferable to OEP.
MA OEP and Medigap
The MA OEP does NOT trigger a Medigap guaranteed-issue right in Georgia. A beneficiary disenrolling from MA during OEP and returning to Original Medicare typically wants Medigap, but in Georgia:
- Medigap purchases during OEP are typically subject to medical underwriting
- The beneficiary may be denied or rate-classified for pre-existing conditions
- Six-month pre-existing condition waiting periods may apply
Guaranteed-issue exceptions during OEP:
- Federal trial right: If the beneficiary enrolled in MA when they first became Medicare-eligible and is within 12 months of that first MA enrollment, they have a federal trial right to return to Original Medicare AND purchase Medigap on a guaranteed-issue basis.
- MA plan termination or service area exit: If the OEP-triggered disenrollment is in response to a plan terminating or leaving the service area, guaranteed-issue Medigap is available.
For all other OEP MA-to-Original Medicare moves, Medigap underwriting applies. Strategy: apply for Medigap FIRST, before disenrolling from MA, to confirm acceptance and rates.
MA OEP and LIS / Extra Help
LIS-eligible beneficiaries have a quarterly SEP under federal regulation. The quarterly SEP permits one plan change per calendar quarter (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4), giving LIS beneficiaries up to four change opportunities per year.
For LIS beneficiaries, the quarterly SEP is typically preferable to the MA OEP because:
- It permits multiple changes per year, not just one
- It is not limited to MA enrollees
- It permits PDP-to-PDP changes (the MA OEP does not, for Original Medicare beneficiaries)
- It operates throughout the year
LIS beneficiaries who are also enrolled in MA may use either the quarterly SEP or the MA OEP — but should typically use the quarterly SEP for greater flexibility.
MA OEP and dual eligibles
Full-benefit dual eligibles (Medicare + full Medicaid) also have the quarterly SEP. The quarterly SEP applies whether the dual eligible is in MA, Original Medicare, or a D-SNP. For duals, the quarterly SEP is typically the better window.
MA OEP and 5-star plans
CMS permits beneficiaries to enroll in a 5-star MA plan or 5-star PDP once per plan year through a year-round Special Enrollment Period. The 5-star SEP operates during OEP and outside. A beneficiary considering a 5-star plan can use the 5-star SEP without exhausting their OEP change.
Medigap Considerations During OEP
The same Medigap framework that governs AEP also governs OEP: no automatic guaranteed-issue right. A beneficiary using OEP to return to Original Medicare must navigate the Medigap underwriting process, with the following exceptions:
- Federal trial right (first 12 months of MA enrollment as new Medicare-eligible)
- MA plan termination
- MA plan service area exit
- Medigap Open Enrollment Period (six months from Part B start at age 65) — rarely applicable at OEP
Strategy for OEP MA-to-Original-Medicare moves with Medigap:
- Apply for Medigap in January (or early in OEP), before submitting the MA disenrollment
- Wait for Medigap approval
- Upon approval, submit MA disenrollment
- Effective date of MA disenrollment is first of the following month
- Medigap effective date should be coordinated to match
If Medigap is denied, the beneficiary may want to reconsider whether to leave MA — Original Medicare without Medigap exposes the beneficiary to substantial cost-sharing risk.
LEP Implications
OEP plan changes do NOT trigger new Late Enrollment Penalties. A beneficiary who switches MA plans, or moves from MA back to Original Medicare with a Part D PDP, faces no new LEP exposure if they maintain creditable drug coverage.
However:
- Existing LEPs continue
- Dropping Part D coverage during OEP (rare, since OEP doesn't directly permit dropping Part D for someone staying in MA) creates future LEP exposure
- A beneficiary moving from MA-PD to Original Medicare without adding a standalone PDP, with no other creditable coverage, will accrue Part D LEP months
Special Needs Plans (SNPs) and the OEP
A beneficiary enrolled in a Special Needs Plan (D-SNP, C-SNP, I-SNP) can use the OEP just like any other MA enrollee. Considerations:
- D-SNP enrollees: Full-benefit dual eligibles can also use the quarterly SEP, which may be more flexible than OEP.
- C-SNP enrollees: A beneficiary whose chronic condition no longer meets the C-SNP eligibility criteria may face involuntary disenrollment outside the OEP framework.
- I-SNP enrollees: A beneficiary moving out of long-term care may need to disenroll from the I-SNP — OEP is one window for this, but loss-of-eligibility SEPs may apply.
The Georgia MA OEP Context
Georgia has hundreds of thousands of Medicare Advantage enrollees eligible to use the OEP each year. The Georgia MA market is competitive, with eight major insurers offering MA plans:
- Humana
- UnitedHealthcare
- Aetna (CVS Health)
- Anthem (Elevance Health)
- Wellcare (Centene)
- Cigna
- Kaiser Permanente Georgia
- Alignment Health Plan
Common Georgia OEP scenarios include:
- AEP regret: A beneficiary who switched MA plans during AEP and discovers in January that the new plan's network doesn't include their PCP or specialists.
- Formulary surprise: A beneficiary who learns in January or February that their MA-PD plan's 2026 formulary no longer covers a critical specialty medication at an affordable tier.
- Snowbird disenrollment: A Georgia retiree who winters in Florida or another state and finds their MA plan's narrow Georgia-only network unworkable, choosing to return to Original Medicare for nationwide flexibility.
- Marketing fraud escape: A beneficiary who was enrolled in an MA plan through misleading marketing during AEP and uses OEP to undo the change.
- Rural Georgia constraints: A rural Georgia beneficiary discovering that the narrow MA network excludes specialists they need to travel for, choosing Original Medicare instead.
GeorgiaCares SHIP and OEP
GeorgiaCares, Georgia's State Health Insurance Assistance Program, provides free, unbiased OEP counseling. The same counselors who help during AEP help during OEP. Services include:
- Plan Finder walkthroughs for MA-to-MA switches
- Medigap underwriting evaluation for MA-to-Original moves
- Standalone PDP comparison for beneficiaries returning to Original Medicare
- LIS and MSP screening
- Quarterly SEP eligibility evaluation for LIS and dual beneficiaries
OEP volume at GeorgiaCares is typically lower than AEP, so wait times are shorter. Beneficiaries should call as soon as they identify a problem with their AEP plan choice rather than waiting until late March.
Georgia Senior Medicare Patrol and OEP
The Georgia Senior Medicare Patrol monitors OEP marketing activity. While CMS prohibits OEP-targeted marketing, some agents and plans skirt the rules. Common OEP fraud patterns:
- Calls or visits implying that OEP is a "second AEP" with unlimited changes
- Pressure tactics to sign up for a new MA plan before the March 31 deadline
- Misleading benefit descriptions designed to lure AEP plan changes
- Identity theft attempts targeting confused beneficiaries
Beneficiaries who experience pressure tactics or misleading marketing during OEP should call the Georgia SMP.
14 MA OEP Best Practices
- Use OEP to correct AEP mistakes, not to make speculative changes.
- Identify the specific problem with your current plan before changing — network gap, formulary issue, cost-sharing problem, or service area exit.
- Use the CMS Plan Finder at medicare.gov/plan-compare with your actual medications, pharmacy, and providers.
- Call GeorgiaCares SHIP before enrolling.
- Remember the one-change limit. Don't waste your OEP change on a marginal improvement.
- Apply for Medigap FIRST if you're considering returning to Original Medicare. AEP/OEP do not trigger Medigap guaranteed-issue in Georgia.
- Plan the effective date. OEP changes are effective the first of the following month, not immediately.
- Maintain continuous drug coverage. Don't let Part D coverage lapse between MA-PD and standalone PDP transitions.
- Document the change with confirmation numbers and written confirmations.
- Consider the quarterly SEP if you're LIS or dual-eligible — often more flexible than OEP.
- Use the 5-star SEP if a 5-star plan is available — it doesn't exhaust your OEP change.
- Don't fall for OEP marketing fraud. CMS prohibits OEP-targeted marketing; pressure tactics are red flags.
- Don't wait until late March. The earlier you act, the sooner your new plan takes effect.
- Plan for next AEP. The OEP is corrective; AEP is the primary annual decision window.
14 Common MA OEP Issues
- Confusing OEP with AEP. Trying to enroll in MA from Original Medicare during OEP (not permitted).
- Wasting the one-change limit. Making a marginal change and then realizing a better option later.
- Not understanding the effective date. Expecting the change to be immediate rather than first of following month.
- Assuming Medigap is guaranteed-issue. Disenrolling from MA without applying for Medigap first and being denied or rated up.
- Letting Part D coverage lapse. Moving from MA-PD to Original Medicare without a standalone PDP.
- Trying to change standalone PDP without leaving MA. OEP doesn't permit PDP-only changes for MA enrollees.
- Falling for OEP marketing fraud. Enrolling in a plan based on misleading marketing.
- Missing the March 31 deadline. Waiting too long and being unable to make changes until next AEP.
- Not coordinating effective dates. Creating coverage gaps between MA disenrollment and Medigap/PDP effective dates.
- Not screening for LIS or MSP. Missing opportunities to lower drug costs and Part B premiums.
- Believing the quarterly SEP doesn't apply to them. LIS and dual beneficiaries should always check quarterly SEP eligibility.
- Not using GeorgiaCares. Trying to navigate OEP alone when free counseling is available.
- Forgetting that 5-star SEP exists. Using the OEP change for a 4-star plan when a 5-star plan is available year-round.
- Not learning from the AEP mistake. Switching plans without understanding why the AEP choice failed, leading to another bad choice.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Fulton 67 — Atlanta routine OEP correction (MA-to-MA)
Margaret, age 67, lives in Atlanta (Fulton County). She enrolled in a Humana MA-PD plan during AEP 2026 for January 1, 2027 effective date. In mid-January, she takes her elderly mother to a Northside Hospital cardiologist for a routine follow-up and learns that the cardiologist is out of network for her new Humana plan. The Humana ANOC had not explicitly disclosed the network change for this specific specialist.
Margaret calls GeorgiaCares SHIP on January 24. The counselor runs Plan Finder with Margaret's medications, pharmacy, and providers. Plan Finder identifies a UnitedHealthcare MA-PD plan that:
- Includes the Northside cardiologist in-network
- Covers all of Margaret's medications at similar or lower copays
- Has a 4.5-star quality rating
- Has a $0 monthly premium
On February 5, Margaret enrolls in the UnitedHealthcare plan via medicare.gov. Effective March 1, 2027, her Humana plan terminates and the UnitedHealthcare plan begins. She has used her one OEP change. Her mother's cardiology care continues seamlessly.
Example 2: DeKalb 70 — DeKalb OEP MA-to-Original Medicare disenrollment
James, age 70, lives in Decatur (DeKalb County). He enrolled in an Anthem MA plan during AEP 2026. In late January 2027, after a hospitalization, James becomes frustrated with the prior authorization delays and the narrow specialist network. He decides he wants to return to Original Medicare with a Medigap policy.
James calls GeorgiaCares on January 30. The counselor explains:
- OEP permits MA-to-Original disenrollment
- Georgia does NOT trigger guaranteed-issue Medigap during OEP
- James is past his federal trial right window (he enrolled in MA at age 67)
- James should apply for Medigap FIRST, before submitting the MA disenrollment
James applies for a Plan G Medigap policy with Mutual of Omaha in early February. He has controlled hypertension but no other significant conditions, and is approved at standard rates on February 20. On March 1, with Medigap approval in hand, James:
- Enrolls in a Wellcare Value Script standalone Part D PDP
- Submits MA disenrollment to Anthem
Effective April 1, 2027:
- Anthem MA terminated
- Original Medicare resumed
- Wellcare Part D PDP active
- Mutual of Omaha Plan G Medigap active
James has used his one OEP change. His total monthly cost is approximately $190/month ($175 Part B + Medigap $135 + PDP $30 minus IRMAA reductions, but predictable and with nationwide acceptance.
Example 3: Cobb 68 — Cobb OEP after discovering provider out-of-network on January 1
Robert, age 68, lives in Marietta (Cobb County). He enrolled in a Wellcare MA-PD during AEP 2026 because of its high quality star rating and rich dental benefits. On January 3, 2027, Robert tries to schedule a routine visit with his longtime primary care physician at Wellstar Medical Group and learns the practice is out-of-network for the 2027 Wellcare plan. The Wellcare ANOC had disclosed network changes but Robert hadn't checked his specific PCP.
Robert calls GeorgiaCares on January 7 — the first business day after the new year. The counselor runs Plan Finder with Robert's medications, his Wellstar PCP, and his pharmacy. Plan Finder identifies:
- A Humana MA-PD plan at $0 premium, 4.0-star rating, with Wellstar Medical Group in-network
- An Aetna MA-PD plan at $20 premium, 4.5-star rating, with Wellstar in-network and richer vision benefits
Robert chooses the Aetna plan and enrolls online on January 12. Effective February 1, 2027, Wellcare terminates and Aetna begins. Robert keeps his PCP and gains better vision coverage. Total elapsed time from problem discovery to resolution: 10 days. One OEP change used.
Example 4: Worth County 72 — Worth rural OEP MA-to-Original because all MA plans inadequate
Linda, age 72, lives in rural Worth County in south Georgia. During AEP 2026, she switched from Original Medicare to a Wellcare MA-PD plan, attracted by the $0 premium and dental coverage. In January 2027, she discovers that the Wellcare network in Worth County is even narrower than she realized — her nearest in-network specialist for a chronic condition is 60+ miles away in Macon.
Linda calls GeorgiaCares on January 22. The counselor runs Plan Finder and confirms:
- Only three MA plans available in Worth County
- All three have narrow networks excluding most of the specialists Linda needs
- Original Medicare permits any Medicare-accepting provider statewide and nationwide
The counselor also notes:
- Linda is past her federal trial right window (more than 12 months from her original Part B start at age 65)
- Medigap will require underwriting
Linda applies for a Plan G Medigap policy with USAA in early February. Underwriting takes three weeks; she is approved with a 10% rate-up due to a controlled chronic condition. On March 5, she:
- Enrolls in a SilverScript Choice Part D PDP
- Submits MA disenrollment to Wellcare
Effective April 1, 2027:
- Wellcare MA terminated
- Original Medicare resumed
- SilverScript Part D active
- USAA Plan G Medigap active
Linda has used her one OEP change and has gained nationwide provider access at a higher but predictable monthly cost. Lesson: Rural Georgia MA enrollees should consider OEP MA-to-Original disenrollment if narrow networks prove unworkable.
Example 5: Bibb 69 — Bibb OEP after AEP marketing fraud uncovered
David, age 69, lives in Macon (Bibb County). During AEP 2026, he received an unsolicited call from an agent who pressured him into enrolling in an unfamiliar MA plan with promises of "$200 grocery cards" and "free dental." In January 2027, David realizes:
- The grocery card benefit requires meeting specific chronic condition criteria he doesn't satisfy
- The dental benefit excludes the dentist he'd been using for 15 years
- His new MA plan's PCP network excludes his current physician
David calls GeorgiaCares / Georgia SMP on January 18. The SMP intake takes a report on the misleading marketing. The SHIP counselor:
- Runs Plan Finder with David's actual needs
- Identifies a Cigna MA-PD plan that includes his PCP and dentist, with realistic benefits
- Helps David enroll in the Cigna plan
David enrolls in the Cigna plan on January 25. Effective February 1, 2027, his original MA plan terminates and Cigna begins. The Georgia SMP files a formal fraud report on the AEP agent.
Lesson: OEP is the recovery window for AEP marketing fraud. Combined GeorgiaCares + SMP intervention can both fix the immediate problem and contribute to enforcement against fraudulent agents.
Example 6: Hall 65 — Hall OEP one-change limit constraint
Sarah, age 65, lives in Gainesville (Hall County). She enrolled in an Anthem MA-PD during her IEP (effective August 2026) and used AEP 2026 to switch to a Humana MA-PD effective January 1, 2027. On January 20, 2027, she discovers a network issue with her Humana plan and uses her OEP change to switch to a Wellcare MA-PD effective February 1.
On February 25, Sarah discovers that the Wellcare plan's formulary doesn't cover her preferred brand of statin. She calls GeorgiaCares asking about another OEP change. The counselor explains:
- Sarah has already used her one OEP change
- No additional OEP changes are permitted
- Sarah must wait for AEP 2027 (October 15 - December 7, 2027) or find an SEP
The counselor evaluates SEPs and identifies none that apply. Sarah accepts the formulary issue for the rest of plan year 2027 (paying out-of-pocket or accepting therapeutic substitution per her physician's recommendation) and plans carefully for AEP 2027.
Lesson: The OEP one-change limit is real. Beneficiaries should consult GeorgiaCares before exercising the change to maximize the value of the one allowed switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
January 1 through March 31 every year.
Medicare Advantage enrollees only. NOT available to Original Medicare beneficiaries who did not enroll in MA during AEP.
Switch to a different MA plan (with or without drug coverage), OR disenroll from MA and return to Original Medicare (with the option to add a standalone Part D PDP).
Only ONE change per OEP. After that, no additional MA-related changes until next AEP or a qualifying SEP.
First day of the month following enrollment.
AEP (October 15 - December 7) is the primary annual enrollment window — open to all Medicare beneficiaries, with unlimited changes within the window, effective January 1. OEP (January 1 - March 31) is the correction window — only for MA enrollees, with one change limit, effective first of following month.
No. Original Medicare beneficiaries cannot use OEP. They must wait for AEP or a qualifying SEP.
Only if you're also leaving an MA plan and returning to Original Medicare. Standalone PDP-only changes require AEP or a qualifying SEP.
Georgia does not trigger guaranteed-issue Medigap during OEP. Apply for Medigap BEFORE disenrolling from MA, and confirm acceptance before submitting the MA disenrollment.
A 12-month window after a beneficiary first enrolls in MA when they first become Medicare-eligible. During the trial right, the beneficiary can return to Original Medicare AND purchase Medigap on a guaranteed-issue basis.
No. OEP plan changes do not trigger new LEPs. Existing LEPs continue.
A year-round Special Enrollment Period permitting beneficiaries to enroll in a 5-star MA or Part D plan once per plan year, available alongside OEP.
A Special Enrollment Period for full-benefit dual eligibles and LIS beneficiaries, permitting one plan change per quarter. Often preferable to OEP for these beneficiaries.
No. CMS prohibits OEP-targeted marketing. Pressure tactics are red flags — report to the Georgia SMP.
Plan termination triggers an SEP, broader than OEP. You can enroll in a replacement MA plan, return to Original Medicare with a PDP, or trigger Medigap guaranteed-issue.
A geographic move triggers an SEP with full plan-change options.
A federal disaster declaration triggers SEPs for affected beneficiaries.
Yes, but the quarterly SEP is typically more flexible.
Yes. D-SNP, C-SNP, and I-SNP enrollees can use OEP just like other MA enrollees, though SNP-specific SEPs may also apply.
Through medicare.gov, by calling 1-800-MEDICARE, by contacting your new plan directly, or with help from GeorgiaCares SHIP.
Confirmation number, written confirmation from the plan, and copies of any correspondence. Keep for at least one year.
No. Plans are prohibited from retaliation for disenrollment.
Yes. When you enroll in a new MA plan or submit MA disenrollment, the old plan terminates effective the same date the new coverage begins (first of following month).
You generally must wait for the next AEP (October 15 - December 7) or a qualifying SEP.
No. The Medigap Open Enrollment Period is six months from the month a beneficiary first enrolls in Part B at age 65 or later. It is unrelated to the MA OEP.
GeorgiaCares SHIP — free, unbiased, certified counselors who do not sell plans.
Yes. GeorgiaCares counselors regularly conduct OEP consultations with beneficiaries and their family caregivers together.
CTA: Free Georgia OEP Resources
- Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) — federal Medicare information line
- SSA Medicare Enrollment: 1-800-772-1213 — Medicare enrollment and IRMAA
- GeorgiaCares SHIP: free OEP plan comparison counseling
- Georgia Senior Medicare Patrol: OEP marketing fraud detection
- Medicare Rights Center: 1-800-333-4114 — national Medicare advocacy
- Georgia DCH Member Services: 1-866-211-0950 — Medicaid coverage questions
- Atlanta Legal Aid: 404-377-0701 — legal assistance with Medicare disputes
- Georgia Legal Services: 1-800-498-9469 — legal assistance outside metro Atlanta
- Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116 — federal eldercare referral service
- 211 Georgia: 211 — local social services referral
- Patient Advocate Foundation: 1-800-532-5274 — chronic disease patient advocacy
- Humana Medicare: 1-800-457-4708
- UnitedHealthcare Medicare: 1-800-721-0627
- Aetna Medicare: 1-800-282-5366
- Anthem Medicare: 1-833-919-1577
- Wellcare Medicare: 1-833-444-9088
- Cigna Medicare: 1-800-668-3813
- Kaiser Permanente Georgia: 1-888-865-5813
- Alignment Health Plan: 1-833-242-2223
Find personalized help navigating your Medicare Advantage options at brevy.com.
Last verified: 2026-05-14. MA OEP rules and Georgia plan offerings change annually. Always verify current plan details at medicare.gov/plan-compare or by contacting GeorgiaCares SHIP before enrolling. This guide is informational and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice.