By Timothy Jones • Updated February 2, 2026 •10 min read
Understanding Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP) 2026: What Vancouver Seniors Need to Know
The Medicare Open Enrollment Period runs January 1 to March 31 each year. Learn who can make changes, what options are available, and how to navigate your choices effectively.
Important: American Senior Choices is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program to get information on all of your options.
What is Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP)?
The Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is an annual three-month window that runs from January 1 through March 31. Unlike the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) which occurs in the fall, OEP provides a specific opportunity for people who already have Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D coverage to make changes.
During OEP, Medicare beneficiaries with Medicare Advantage or Part D plans have limited options to switch their coverage. Understanding these rules is important for making informed decisions about your healthcare coverage.
Key Dates for OEP 2026
- •OEP Begins: January 1, 2026
- •OEP Ends: March 31, 2026
- •Effective Date: Changes made during OEP typically take effect the first day of the month following your request
It is important to note that OEP has different rules and options compared to the Annual Enrollment Period. Understanding these differences helps ensure you make changes at the right time and through the correct process.
Who Qualifies for OEP?
Not everyone with Medicare can make changes during OEP. The Open Enrollment Period is specifically for beneficiaries who already have Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.
You Qualify for OEP If You Have:
- ✓Medicare Advantage Plan: You are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage HMO or PPO plan
- ✓Medicare Part D Plan: You have a standalone prescription drug plan
- ✓Both Types of Coverage: You have Medicare Advantage with drug coverage included
Who Does NOT Qualify for OEP?
The following individuals generally cannot make changes during OEP:
- •People with only Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
- •Those who recently became eligible for Medicare
- •Beneficiaries in certain Special Enrollment Periods
If you are unsure about your eligibility for OEP, Medicare.gov provides tools to help you understand your options and enrollment periods based on your current coverage situation.
What Changes Can You Make During OEP?
OEP provides specific, limited options for changing your Medicare coverage. The changes available to you depend on whether you currently have Medicare Advantage or a standalone Part D plan.
If You Have Medicare Advantage (Part C):
Option 1: Switch to Another Medicare Advantage Plan
You can change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another Medicare Advantage plan in your area.
Option 2: Drop Medicare Advantage and Return to Original Medicare
You can disenroll from your Medicare Advantage plan and go back to Original Medicare (Parts A and B).
Option 3: Add a Part D Drug Plan
If you return to Original Medicare during OEP, you can also enroll in a standalone Part D prescription drug plan.
If You Have a Standalone Part D Plan:
Option 1: Switch to Another Part D Plan
You can change from one Part D plan to another Part D plan available in your area.
Option 2: Drop Part D Coverage
You can disenroll from your Part D plan entirely, though this may result in a late enrollment penalty if you decide to join later.
Important Limitations During OEP
- •You cannot add Medicare Supplement (Medigap) coverage during OEP
- •You cannot switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage during OEP
- •Changes take effect the first of the month after your request
OEP vs. AEP: Key Differences
Understanding the difference between Open Enrollment Period (OEP) and Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) helps you make decisions at the right time for your situation.
| Feature | Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) | Open Enrollment Period (OEP) |
|---|---|---|
| Dates | October 15 - December 7 | January 1 - March 31 |
| Who Can Enroll | All Medicare beneficiaries | Only Medicare Advantage/Part D members |
| Switch Types | Original Medicare ↔ Advantage, Part D changes | Advantage ↔ Original Medicare, Part D changes |
| Medigap Options | Can add (with medical underwriting) | Cannot add |
| Effective Date | January 1 | First of month after request |
The key distinction is that AEP is for everyone with Medicare, while OEP is specifically for people who already have Medicare Advantage or Part D coverage and want to make changes to those specific types of plans.
Vancouver & Clark County Resources for 2026
Vancouver and Clark County seniors have several local resources to help navigate Medicare enrollment periods and coverage options.
Washington State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
SHIP provides free, unbiased counseling about Medicare coverage, benefits, and rights for Washington state residents.
- Phone: 1-800-562-6900
- Website: Insurance.wa.gov
- Services: Medicare counseling, benefits assistance, claims help
Clark County Senior Services
Clark County offers various services for seniors, including health insurance counseling through the Area Agency on Aging.
- Location: Multiple Clark County locations
- Services: Medicare counseling, transportation, meal programs
- Eligibility: Adults 60+ and their caregivers
Local Healthcare Networks to Consider
When evaluating Medicare plans during OEP, consider which healthcare networks are available in Vancouver and Clark County:
- •PeaceHealth: Major health system with multiple facilities in Vancouver and Clark County
- •Legacy Health: Serving the Portland metro area including Vancouver
- •MultiCare: Regional network with coverage in Clark County
- •Kaiser Permanente: Available for eligible Medicare Advantage members in Clark County
Medicare.gov's Plan Finder tool allows you to check which plans include your preferred doctors and hospitals before making changes during OEP.
Next Steps for 2026
If you are considering making changes to your Medicare coverage during OEP 2026, here are several steps to help guide your decision-making process.
Step 1: Review Your Current Coverage
- 1.Review your current plan documents and Summary of Benefits
- 2.Check if your plan is making changes for 2026 (costs, formularies, networks)
- 3.Evaluate your satisfaction with current coverage and costs
Step 2: Compare Available Options
- 1.Use Medicare.gov's Plan Finder to see available plans in your area
- 2.Compare costs including premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket limits
- 3.Check that your doctors and hospitals are in-network
Step 3: Consider Timing
Remember that changes made during OEP take effect the first of the month after your request. For example:
- •Request made January 15 → Change effective February 1
- •Request made February 20 → Change effective March 1
- •Request made March 31 → Change effective April 1
Step 4: Make Your Change
There are several ways to make changes during OEP:
Online
Visit Medicare.gov to make changes online
Phone
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
Paper Form
Complete and mail the Medicare enrollment form
Direct with Plan
Contact the insurance company directly
Remember
Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is an opportunity for specific Medicare beneficiaries to make changes to their coverage. Understanding the rules, timelines, and options helps you make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage.
If you have questions about your specific situation, consider consulting with Medicare.gov, your local SHIP counselor, or a licensed insurance broker who can help you understand your options based on your current coverage and circumstances.
Related Medicare Resources
AEP 2025: Top 10 Mistakes Vancouver Seniors Make
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them during Annual Enrollment Period.
AEP 2026: Complete Enrollment Guide for Vancouver, WA
Comprehensive guide to Annual Enrollment Period for the coming year.
Medicare 101: Advantage vs. Supplement Plans in Vancouver, WA
Understanding the key differences between Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans.
2026 Medicare Shake-Up: Non-Commissionable Plans
How changes to Medicare plan commissions affect enrollment options.
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