What you can and can't do
| You can | You can't |
|---|---|
| Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, with or without drug coverage | Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan |
| Drop Medicare Advantage, return to Original Medicare and join a standalone Part D plan | Switch from one standalone Part D plan to another while in Original Medicare |
| Make one change between January 1 and March 31 | Make a second change in the same period |
The rule is 42 CFR 422.62(a)(3). For 2027, the period runs January 1 to March 31, 2027.
When it helps Ohioans
- Your doctor or hospital isn't in your new plan's network. If you switched plans for January and find a problem, you have until March 31 to move.
- Your drugs cost more than expected. Compare plans in your county again; CMS lists 119 Medicare Advantage plans open to everyone in Ohio for 2027.
- You want Original Medicare back. You can return and join one of the 9 standalone Part D plans sold in Ohio.
Medigap isn't guaranteed in this window
Going back to Original Medicare doesn't by itself give you a right to buy Medigap. Ohio has no birthday rule, so a Medigap company can ask health questions unless you have a guaranteed-issue right, such as the 12-month trial right after your first Medicare Advantage plan, or your plan ending. Apply for Medigap first, then drop your plan. See can I switch to Original Medicare.
If you have another reason to change
This window overlaps with other rights. If your plan ended on December 31, 2026, your special enrollment period runs through February 28, 2027. If you have Ohio Medicaid or Extra Help, you can change once a month all year. If you get coverage from STRS Ohio, SERS or another retiree plan, check with them before you change; see Ohio public retirement systems and Medicare.
To compare plans from the companies they work with, you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent. All dates are on Medicare enrollment periods.
Related questions
When is open enrollment?
October 15 to December 7.
Can I change after open enrollment?
Special enrollment periods.
Can I go back to Original Medicare?
And what happens with Medigap.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Joining a health or drug plan (Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period)
- eCFR — 42 CFR 422.62(a)(3), open enrollment period for people enrolled in MA
- Medicare.gov — Special Enrollment Periods
- Ohio Administrative Code 3901-8-08, Medicare supplement (open enrollment and guaranteed issue)
- CMS — Medicare Advantage and Part D Landscape files, contract year 2027 (plan counts)
More questions in this guide
- Can I change my Medicare plan after open enrollment ends?
- Can I switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare in Ohio?
- Do I get a guaranteed right to buy Medigap if my plan leaves Ohio?
- My Medicare Advantage plan is ending in 2027 in Ohio. What do I do?
- What is the Medicare Annual Notice of Change?
- When is Medicare open enrollment in Ohio?
- Which Medicare companies are leaving Ohio in 2027?
Part of the guide: Medicare Open Enrollment in Ohio (2027 Plans) · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I use it to join Medicare Advantage from Original Medicare?
No. This period is only for people already in a Medicare Advantage plan. People in Original Medicare can join a Medicare Advantage plan during open enrollment, October 15 to December 7, or with a special enrollment period.
I'm new to Medicare. Does the 3-month window apply to me?
Yes. If you join a Medicare Advantage plan when you first get Medicare, you can make one change during the first 3 months you have both Part A and Part B, even if that falls outside January to March.
Can I change my standalone Part D plan between January and March?
Not with this period, unless you're also leaving a Medicare Advantage plan. If you have Medicaid or Extra Help, you can change drug plans once a month.
Medicare in your Ohio county
Plans, local agents and help, county by county: Franklin · Cuyahoga · Hamilton · Summit · Montgomery · Lucas · Butler · Stark · Lorain · Warren · Delaware · Lake · Mahoning · Clermont · Trumbull · Licking · Medina · Greene · Fairfield · Portage · All 88 counties →
