Final answer:
A Medicare Advantage (MA) plan member can switch to a different MA plan during the Annual Election Period (October 15 to December 7), the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31), or Special Election Periods that are event-driven throughout the year.
Step-by-step explanation:
A member of one Medicare Advantage (MA) plan may enroll in a different MA plan during specific periods established by Medicare. These periods include:
- Annual Election Period (AEP), which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, which runs from January 1 to March 31 each year
- Special Election Periods (SEPs), which can occur at any time of the year, but are triggered by specific events such as moving to a new area or losing current coverage
During the AEP, beneficiaries can switch MA plans, join a new MA plan, or return to Original Medicare. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period allows individuals already enrolled in an MA plan to switch to a different MA plan or go back to Original Medicare. SEPs provide additional opportunities outside of the regular enrollment periods for making changes based on specific circumstances.