During which time are beneficiaries allowed to enroll in or switch Medicare Advantage plans if they qualify?

Beneficiaries can enroll in or switch Medicare Advantage plans during Special Enrollment Periods, which are specific times outside the usual enrollment periods that allow for changes due to certain qualifying events. These events can include moving out of the service area, losing other healthcare coverage, or certain life changes like getting married or becoming a widow or widower. This flexibility helps ensure that beneficiaries can update their coverage to meet their current needs and situations.

While options like the Initial Enrollment Period and open enrollment periods also provide opportunities to sign up for or switch plans, they are not the only times beneficiaries can make these changes. Special Enrollment Periods can occur at various times throughout the year depending on individual circumstances. This ability to modify enrollment based on life changes emphasizes Medicare's focus on meeting the needs of beneficiaries as their circumstances evolve.