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 coverage, the period runs January 1 to March 31, 2027.
When it helps North Carolinians
- 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 106 Medicare Advantage plans open to everyone in North Carolina for 2027, from 11 in Carteret County to 57 in Guilford.
- You were moved into Original Medicare because your plan ended. You have the plan-ending special enrollment period through February 28, 2027 instead; see my plan is ending in 2027.
- You want Original Medicare back. You can return and join one of the 11 standalone Part D plans sold statewide.
Medigap isn't guaranteed in this window
Going back to Original Medicare doesn't by itself give you a right to buy Medigap. North Carolina has no birthday rule or yearly switching right, 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 you have NC Medicaid or Extra Help, you can change drug coverage once a month all year. If you're a State Health Plan retiree, this window doesn't change your Plan option: the Base Plan, Enhanced Plan and 70/30 Plan change only at the Plan's own Open Enrollment, and joining an outside Medicare Advantage or Part D plan moves you out of the Plan's group Medicare Advantage coverage. See State Health Plan retirees 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 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
- North Carolina General Assembly — G.S. Chapter 58, Article 54, Medicare Supplement Insurance Minimum Standards
- CMS — Medicare Advantage and Part D Landscape files, contract year 2027 (plan counts)
- State Health Plan — Pre-65 retiree presentation (outside Medicare plans)
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 North Carolina?
- Do I get a guaranteed right to buy Medigap if my plan leaves North Carolina?
- My Medicare Advantage plan is ending in 2027 in North Carolina. What do I do?
- When is Medicare open enrollment in North Carolina?
- Which Medicare companies are leaving North Carolina in 2027?
Part of the guide: Medicare Open Enrollment in North Carolina (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 within 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 NC Medicaid or Extra Help, you can change drug plans once a month.
Medicare in your North Carolina county
Plans, local agents and help, county by county: Wake · Mecklenburg · Guilford · Forsyth · Durham · Cumberland · Buncombe · Union · Johnston · Cabarrus · New Hanover · Gaston · Onslow · Iredell · Alamance · Pitt · Davidson · Brunswick · Catawba · Rowan · All 100 counties →
