Election Scenario

Switching to a 5-star plan in April

Beneficiary wants to move to a 5-star plan available in their area.

Training material only. Not legal, compliance, or enrollment advice. Always defer to current CMS guidance, your FMO's compliance team, and your carrier certifications. See disclaimers.

Scenario

A beneficiary is currently enrolled in a 3.5-star MA plan. On April 8 they call and ask to switch to a 5-star MA plan that is available in their service area. They have not moved, and their current plan is not undergoing a contract action.

Which election period applies?

SEP — 5-star planOne switch to a 5-star MA, MAPD, or PDP once per year (Dec 8 – Nov 30).No election period currently appliesNo election window is open for this specific request today.Annual Election PeriodOct 15 – Dec 7. Changes take effect January 1.Medicare Advantage Open EnrollmentJan 1 – Mar 31. One MA-to-MA or MA-to-Original-Medicare change.

On this scenario: 0/0 correct — no attempts yet.

Sources

Reviewed Jul 14, 2026 · GoAEP editorial

42 CFR §422.62
Medicare Advantage election periods (AEP, OEP, SEPs).

Not marketing material. Not for consumer distribution. CMS rules evolve — verify against current guidance before use.

Educational drill only. Rules and CMS guidance evolve — always defer to current CMS publications, your FMO compliance team, and your carrier certifications.