Can I change my Medicare Advantage plan in January?

If you are already in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C, your Medicare benefits through a private plan), the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period lets you make one change between January 1 and March 31 (2026). During this window you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan, or leave Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare, and if you return to Original Medicare you can also add a Part D drug plan. This window is only for people who already have a Medicare Advantage plan on January 1; it is not a time to switch from Original Medicare into Medicare Advantage. You get one change during this period, and it takes effect the first of the month after the plan receives your request. This is separate from the Annual Enrollment Period, which runs October 15 to December 7 (2026). If you missed making a change during AEP, the January to March window is a second chance for current Medicare Advantage members.