Who can use it
- Anyone enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan on January 1. For 2027, that's January 1 to March 31, 2027.
- People new to Medicare who join a Medicare Advantage plan: they get the same one change during their first three months with Medicare, whenever that is in the year.
It's set by federal rule, 42 CFR 422.62(a)(3), so it works the same in Oregon as in every state.
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 Medicare Advantage |
| Leave Medicare Advantage for Original Medicare | Switch from one stand-alone Part D plan to another if you have Original Medicare |
| Join a stand-alone Part D plan when you return to Original Medicare | Make a second change in the same period |
Your new coverage starts the first day of the month after the plan gets your request. A change made in March starts April 1.
Why it matters in Oregon
Open enrollment ends December 7, and it's common to find a problem only after January 1: a doctor isn't in the network, or a drug costs more than expected. This period gives you a second look. Before you switch:
- Check what's offered in your county. CMS lists 61 Medicare Advantage plans open to everyone in Oregon for 2027, but some counties, such as Grant, Harney, Lake, Umatilla and Union, have none. See your county.
- Confirm your doctors and drugs with the new plan, not just a directory.
- If you want Original Medicare plus Medigap, apply for Medigap first. Oregon's six-month Medigap open enrollment happens only when Part B starts, so outside a guaranteed-issue right you may face health questions. See switching from Medicare Advantage to Medigap.
If your plan ended December 31
Members whose plan didn't renew for 2027 have their own special enrollment period through February 28, 2027, and don't need this one. See what to do if your plan is leaving.
To compare plans from the companies they work with, you can request a call from a licensed insurance agent, or see plans for your ZIP code.
Related questions
When can I switch Medicare plans in Oregon?
Every window to change.
What are the 2027 deadlines?
Dates on one calendar.
How do I choose a Medicare plan?
What to check first.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Joining a health or drug plan
- eCFR — 42 CFR 422.62(a)(3), MA open enrollment period
- Medicare.gov — Understanding Medicare Advantage and Medicare Drug Plan Enrollment Periods
- CMS — Medicare Advantage and Part D contract and enrollment data (CY2027 Landscape file)
More questions in this guide
- How do I choose a Medicare plan in Oregon?
- What are the Medicare deadlines in Oregon for 2027?
- What should I do if my Medicare Advantage plan is leaving my Oregon county?
- When can I switch Medicare plans in Oregon?
- Which Medicare plans are ending in Oregon in 2027?
Part of the guide: Medicare Open Enrollment in Oregon (2027 Plans) · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I use it to join Medicare Advantage from Original Medicare?
No. It's only for people already in a Medicare Advantage plan. Joining from Original Medicare happens during fall open enrollment or with a special enrollment period.
Can I make more than one change?
No. You get one change during the period. Once you've used it, you need a special enrollment period to change again before next fall.
Does it give me a right to buy Medigap?
No. Medigap companies in Oregon can ask health questions unless you have a guaranteed-issue right, such as a first-year trial right or your plan ending.
Medicare in your Oregon county
Plans, local agents and help, county by county: Multnomah · Washington · Clackamas · Lane · Marion · Jackson · Deschutes · Linn · Douglas · Yamhill · Benton · Polk · Josephine · Umatilla · Klamath · Coos · Columbia · Lincoln · Clatsop · Malheur · All 36 counties →
