Who is the Open Election Period (OEP) designed for?

The Open Election Period (OEP) is specifically designed for beneficiaries who are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, which can be either a Medicare Advantage-only plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage (MA-PD). This period allows these beneficiaries to make changes to their existing coverage.

During the OEP, individuals can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another or return to Original Medicare. It is essential for beneficiaries of Medicare Advantage to have this option since it provides them with the flexibility to select a plan that better fits their needs, especially if their health circumstances change or if they are dissatisfied with their current plan.

Beneficiaries enrolled in Original Medicare only are not eligible for the OEP, nor do dual eligible beneficiaries specifically benefit from this period, as they typically have different enrollment periods. Additionally, the classification of "anyone enrolled in Medicare Advantage" is broader than intended, as the OEP is restricted to those already within the Medicare Advantage system looking to make modifications to their current plans.