The MA Open Enrollment Period can be used by a consumer who is not currently enrolled in an MA Plan.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only if they have a special circumstance
• D. It depends on the state

Answer: (B)

The window being tested is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, which applies only to people who already have a Medicare Advantage plan. During this period (January 1 through March 31), a current MA enrollee can switch to another MA plan or disenroll from MA to return to Original Medicare (with or without Part D). It does not allow someone who is not currently enrolled in an MA plan to enroll in MA. If you’re not enrolled but want MA coverage, you’d use the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) or a Special Enrollment Period if you qualify. The Open Enrollment Period is not state-dependent.