The main mid-year change windows
There are two regular windows outside of AEP that let you change plans:
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA-OEP) — January 1 through March 31 each year. If you're already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different MA plan once, or drop back to Original Medicare with a standalone Part D plan. People in Original Medicare cannot use this window to switch into MA.
- General Enrollment Period (GEP) — January 1 through March 31 each year. For people who missed their Initial Enrollment Period and don't have other creditable coverage. Coverage starts the first of the month after enrollment. Late penalties usually apply.
Common Special Enrollment Period triggers in Ohio
Outside the windows above, an SEP gives you a limited time window to change plans:
- Moving — to a new county, state, or out of your plan's service area triggers an SEP. Ohio has 88 counties and several MA plans have county-specific service areas; moving across county lines may trigger this SEP even within Ohio.
- Losing employer or union coverage — 8-month SEP for Part B and a 2-month SEP for Part D and MA.
- Plan non-renewal — if your plan won't be offered next year, you get a SEP from December 8 through February 28 of the following year. In 2026, several Ohio MA carriers reduced their footprint, triggering this SEP for affected members.
- Qualifying for Extra Help, Medicaid, or a Medicare Savings Program — opens a SEP. Ohio's Medicare Savings Programs run through the Ohio Department of Medicaid.
- Moving in or out of a nursing home or skilled care facility — opens a continuous SEP while you're institutionalized.
- 5-star plan SEP — once per year, you can switch into a 5-star Medicare Advantage or Part D plan if one is available in your county.
- Plan misrepresentation or contract violation — if CMS sanctions a plan, members may qualify for an SEP.
What you can change with an SEP
Depending on the trigger, you may be able to: switch between Medicare Advantage plans; switch from MA back to Original Medicare; enroll in or change Part D; or in some cases, enroll in or switch Medigap with guaranteed-issue rights. Medigap guaranteed-issue rights are narrower than MA/Part D SEP rights — Ohio is a fully-underwritten state for Medigap most of the time.
How to use a SEP
Most SEPs require you to enroll within a specific window — usually 60 days from the triggering event. Missing the window means waiting for the next AEP. Document the triggering event in writing (move date, employer coverage termination letter, plan non-renewal notice). A licensed Ohio Medicare agent or OSHIIP counselor can confirm whether you qualify and handle the enrollment paperwork at no cost to you.