If you’re currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and missed the Annual Enrollment Period, you still have time to make important coverage changes. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period extends through March 31, giving you a valuable window to reassess your healthcare needs and financial situation.
Understanding Medicare Advantage after open enrollment changes means knowing you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare with Part D coverage during this special period. This opportunity runs from January 1 through March 31 and is available exclusively to current Medicare Advantage enrollees who want to make one change during this timeframe.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
* Current Medicare Advantage members can make one plan change through March 31 during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
* Despite market changes, 97% of beneficiaries still have access to 10 or more plan options
* Special needs plans grew 33% in 2026, offering expanded options for those with chronic conditions
Table of Contents
This article will walk you through what changes you can still make, why timing matters given current market disruptions, and how to take action before the March 31 deadline.
WHAT YOU CAN STILL CHANGE THROUGH MARCH 31:MEDICARE ADVANTAGE AFTER OPEN ENROLLMENT
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period differs from the Annual Enrollment Period that ended December 7. During this timeframe, you’re allowed to make one enrollment change if you’re currently in a Medicare Advantage plan. You can switch to another Medicare Advantage plan with or without prescription drug coverage, or you can drop your Medicare Advantage plan entirely and return to Original Medicare.
If you return to Original Medicare during this period, you can also add a standalone Part D prescription drug plan. This flexibility helps you align your coverage with current health needs and financial priorities, especially if your circumstances changed since last fall or your plan experienced significant modifications for 2026 [https://lighthousehwg.com/medicare-advantage-2026-changes/].
A common misconception is that you can make multiple changes during this window. You cannot. Once you make one enrollment change, you’ll need to wait until the next Annual Enrollment Period unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to specific life events.
YOUR PLAN OPTIONS: ACCESS REMAINS STRONG DESPITE MARKET SHIFTS
While the total number of individual MA plans decreased to 3,373 in 2026 (a 9% decrease from 2025), access remains solid. According to KFF [https://www.kff.org/medicare/medicare-advantage-2026-spotlight-a-first-look-at-plan-offerings/], the average beneficiary has access to plans from 8 firms and 39 plans per county, down slightly from 42. Over 99% of beneficiaries have access to a plan, and 97% have access to 10 or more plans. In 84 counties, 8 million people have 61 or more plans available.
The plan landscape has shifted over time. HMOs now represent 57% of plans, down from 71% since 2017, while local PPOs have grown to 42%. This shift toward PPO options often means greater provider flexibility, which matters if you value the ability to see specialists without referrals.
Plan Type2017 Share2026 ShareHMO71%57%Local PPOLower42%Despite the reduction in total plans, post-open enrollment options remain strong for making informed switches. You’re not facing a shortage of choices as you evaluate your coverage options through March 31 [https://lighthousehwg.com/medicare-advantage-open-enrollment-in-2026/].
MARKET LANDSCAPE: WHO’S PROVIDING YOUR COVERAGE
The top three Medicare Advantage Organizations (UnitedHealth Group, Humana, and CVS Health) hold 46% of national enrollment. UnitedHealth Group alone represents 24% of national enrollment. At the local level, the top MAO accounts for 43% of enrollment, according to MedPAC [https://www.medpac.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Tab-N-MA_Status-Jan-2026.pdf].
UnitedHealth is facing an estimated 1 million enrollee loss, which represents a significant market shift. For C-SNP plans specifically, the leaders include Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and Devoted Health. This concentration means your coverage likely comes from one of these major carriers.
Rather than viewing these changes as a crisis, it’s more accurate to see them as a market overhaul. Carriers are adjusting their strategies, which creates both challenges and opportunities for beneficiaries evaluating switches during the March 31 window. Understanding which carriers dominate your local market helps you assess stability and reputation as you compare options.
GROWTH IN SPECIAL NEEDS PLANS: NEW OPTIONS FOR CHRONIC CONDITIONS
Special needs plans represent the fastest-growing plan type, increasing 33% in 2026. C-SNP (Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans) applications are 69% higher than last Annual Enrollment Period. Top C-SNP carriers include Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and Devoted Health.
Termination rates for special needs plans remain low compared to standard plans. C-SNP terminations are only 4%, and D-SNP terminations are just 2%. This stability matters if you have chronic conditions that require specialized coordination.
SNP TypeTermination RateC-SNP4%D-SNP2%MA enrollment among ESRD (End-Stage Renal Disease) beneficiaries grew dramatically from 27% to 55% between December 2020 and December 2024, according to MedPAC analysis. This growth reflects improved plan designs and cost structures for dialysis patients. If you have ESRD or other qualifying chronic conditions, reviewing SNP eligibility during this post-enrollment period could result in better care coordination and lower out-of-pocket costs.
ENROLLMENT TRENDS: WHAT THE NUMBERS TELL US
Projected MA enrollment is expected to decline from 34.9 million in 2025 to 34 million in 2026, marking the first decline in over a decade. Currently, 55% of eligible beneficiaries are enrolled in MA plans. However, CMS anticipates that actual enrollment will exceed projections based on historical trends, as the agency has consistently underprojected enrollment in previous years.
Pre-MA selection rates show that 13% of commercially insured beneficiaries and 23% of Medicaid beneficiaries chose MA when first enrolling. These patterns suggest that despite the projected decline, the market remains fundamentally stable for post-open enrollment decision-making.
The 34 million projection should be viewed with context. Historical data from CMS shows these estimates typically fall short of actual enrollment. The projected decline reflects market corrections rather than wholesale abandonment of Medicare Advantage plans. For individuals and families planning healthcare coverage, this stability matters when making decisions during the current enrollment window.
TAKING ACTION: STEPS TO REVIEW AND SWITCH YOUR COVERAGE BEFORE MARCH 31
With 97% of beneficiaries having access to 10 or more plans, an average of 39 plans per county, and an average premium of $14.00, you have solid options even after standard open enrollment. Here’s what to do before the March 31 deadline:
* Verify if your current plan was terminated or consolidated using the CMS Crosswalk tool
* Compare available alternatives in your county based on your doctors, prescriptions, and budget
* Check if you qualify for SNP plans if you have chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or ESRD
* Evaluate premium and out-of-pocket costs, noting that some beneficiaries face cost increases affecting 75% of enrollees in certain plans
* Consider whether returning to Original Medicare with a Part D plan better suits your needs
The disruptions affecting 2.9 million people create genuine challenges, but they also present opportunities. Lower average premiums and expanded SNP options mean Medicare Advantage after open enrollment changes can work in your favor if you take deliberate action rather than accepting automatic assignments.
HOW WE CAN HELP YOU THROUGH THIS TRANSITION
At Lighthouse Health and Wealth Group, I work with individuals, families, and business owners across Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska who need straightforward guidance on health insurance decisions. I understand that sorting through 39 plan options while managing other responsibilities can feel overwhelming, especially if you received a termination notice or are concerned about rising costs.
Our approach focuses on clarity and practical solutions matched to your specific health needs and budget. Rather than presenting one-size-fits-all recommendations, I’ll review your current coverage, assess your anticipated healthcare needs, and identify plans that provide appropriate protection without unnecessary costs. If you’re unsure whether to stay with Medicare Advantage or return to Original Medicare, I can walk you through the trade-offs based on your situation.
The March 31 deadline is firm, and making changes requires understanding eligibility rules, plan networks, and cost structures. I offer ongoing support beyond the enrollment decision to ensure your coverage continues to meet your needs. Contact me to schedule a consultation and review your Medicare Advantage after open enrollment changes before time runs out.
CAN I ENROLL IN A MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT PLAN DURING THE MEDICARE ADVANTAGE OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD?
While you can return to Original Medicare during this period, enrolling in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy may be more difficult. You won’t have guaranteed issue rights unless you qualify for specific circumstances. Insurers can deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health status. If you’re considering this path, you’ll need to apply for a Medigap policy and may face medical underwriting depending on your state’s rules.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T TAKE ACTION AND MY PLAN WAS TERMINATED?
If your Medicare Advantage plan was terminated and you don’t make an active choice, your insurance carrier will automatically enroll you in a similar plan from the same company if one exists in your service area. You’ll receive notification about this automatic enrollment. However, the replacement plan may have different costs, provider networks, or benefits than your terminated plan. Taking action during the open enrollment period lets you choose a plan based on your preferences rather than accepting the automatic assignment.
DO I QUALIFY FOR THE MEDICARE ADVANTAGE OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD IF I HAVE BOTH MEDICARE AND MEDICAID?
Yes, dual-eligible beneficiaries who have both Medicare and Medicaid and are currently in a Medicare Advantage plan can use this enrollment period. However, dual-eligible individuals also have additional enrollment flexibility throughout the year through Special Enrollment Periods. You can make changes monthly if you qualify for Extra Help with prescription drug costs. This means you have more options than the standard Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period alone provides.
SOURCES
bettermedicarealliance.org – CMS 2026 Medicare Advantage Premiums and Enrollment Projections [https://bettermedicarealliance.org/news/better-medicare-alliance-responds-to-cms-2026-medicare-advantage-premiums-and-enrollment-projections/]
medpac.gov – The Medicare Advantage program Status Report [https://www.medpac.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Tab-N-MA_Status-Jan-2026.pdf]
medicaremarketinsights.com – Medicare Advantage Enrollees Losing Plans in 2026 [https://www.medicaremarketinsights.com/p/10-of-medicare-advantage-enrollees-are-losing-their-plan-in-2026]
