With AEP ending on Sunday, December 7, we’re stepping into what could be an especially important Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) starting January 1, 2026. This window is crucial for many beneficiaries, so Medicare agents should prepare now to support clients who may need to make changes.
The MA Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) runs January 1 – March 31 each year and applies only to beneficiaries already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. During this period, MA clients can switch to a different MA plan or return to Original Medicare with a standalone Part D plan.
Medicare Supplement enrollment is not guaranteed during MA OEP since medical underwriting typically applies. Since many clients aren’t aware that MA OEP exists, this period presents a trusted advisor with a significant opportunity to help a client who’s unhappy with the MA plan they enrolled in during AEP.
How to Set Yourself Up for a Strong 2026 MA OEP
- Review your client list to identify current MA clients, then review your notes on them for concerns, past issues, or risk factors to identify those who may not be fully satisfied with their current MA plan. Schedule early-January follow-ups with these MA clients to assess their satisfaction with their current MA health plan.
- Educate clients about the MA OEP – Many of these MA clients don’t realize there’s a “second chance” to make a change from January 1 to March 31. Remind them that they can make a change during this period if their new plan isn’t a good fit.
- Set expectations and prepare: To build trust, let unhappy clients know you’ll explore better options if needed, but options may vary by market and medical needs.
- Find Your MA Clients with Chronic Health Conditions – Review your completed HRAs to identify your MA clients with chronic health conditions who may qualify for a C-SNP plan. Evaluate C-SNP plans available in the client’s area to determine if a C-SNP plan is a better fit for them in 2026.
What to Say When You Reach Out
A conversational tone works best:
“Now that AEP is ending, it’s a good time to double-check your plan to make sure it works for you. From January through March, you can change to another similar health plan if your current one isn’t working for you.”
This approach reinforces you as a proactive, supportive advisor who’s not just chasing a sale.
A Big Opportunity for Agents Who Act Early
Agents who treat MA OEP as an afterthought miss opportunities to help clients who regret their AEP MA choices. But those who communicate early, review plans, and educate clients not only retain business but also strengthen long-term client loyalty.
Now is the perfect time to increase outreach, perform plan audits, and prepare for possible adjustments during MA OEP. This is a pivotal period for both beneficiaries and the agents who support them.
The Agility Advantage
Agility delivers insights like this to help you stay ahead in the evolving Medicare market, with regional market support and dedicated resources that agents and new agents can use instantly.
- Dedicated Producer Support at (866) 590-9771 or support@enrollinsurance.com to answer any insurance questions and direct you to our Medicare, ACA, and ancillary experts. They can also add you to our weekly email list for tips and updates.
Let Agility help you grow and adapt this MA OEP, and throughout 2026.
