Medicare OEP Deadlines — What Happens If You Miss March 31?

The Medicare Open Enrollment Period ends on March 31, and that deadline matters more than many people realize.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

If OEP passes:

• You generally cannot change your Medicare Advantage plan

• You must wait until the next Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15–Dec 7)

• Coverage issues may continue for the rest of the year

Are There Exceptions?

Some people may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) due to:

• Moving out of a service area

• Losing other coverage

• Medicaid or Extra Help eligibility

• Certain life events

However, SEPs are limited and situation-specific.

Why Acting Early Helps

Reviewing options early allows time to:

• Verify providers and prescriptions

• Compare costs carefully

• Avoid rushed decisions

• Ensure smooth transitions

Even if you decide not to change plans, understanding your options before March 31 provides peace of mind.