Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: a texting guide for agents (Jan 1 to Mar 31)
After AEP, there is a second window for people already in Medicare Advantage. What the Open Enrollment Period allows, who to contact, and the rules that apply to texting.
·5 min read
Most agents focus on the Annual Enrollment Period in the fall and treat the first quarter as quiet. But for people already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, a second window runs from January 1 to March 31, and it creates real opportunities for existing clients.
This guide is general information, not compliance advice. CMS marketing rules and your carriers' requirements are the authority, and they change from year to year.
What the window allows
The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period lets people who are already in a Medicare Advantage plan make one change during the first three months of the year: switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan, or return to Original Medicare and, if needed, join a stand-alone drug plan. It does not let people who are in Original Medicare join a Medicare Advantage plan.
Who you can text
CMS rules prohibit unsolicited contact to market Medicare plans, so text only people who have given you permission: existing clients who agreed to hear from you and prospects who requested contact. A permission-based list is the foundation of everything in this window.
Messages that fit existing clients
Early in January, many clients discover that their plan has changed: a doctor left the network, a prescription moved tiers, or costs rose. A short, caring message offering a plan review can help them. Avoid claiming one plan is best for everyone.
- ✓"Hi Linda, it's Chris. If your plan changed this year, I can look at your options through March 31. Want a quick call?"
Use texts to schedule, not to explain
Plan details belong in a conversation or in required documents, not in a text thread. Use texts to set up calls and send confirmations, and remember that appointments may require documented consent steps before a plan discussion. Confirm your requirements with your compliance team.
Mind the end date
The window closes on March 31. In February, send a gentle reminder to clients who asked to be contacted, and follow up with anyone who did not complete a review. After the window closes, make it clear what options remain.
Documenting your outreach
Medicare marketing is closely supervised, so records matter. Keep a record of each contact's permission, including when and how they gave it. Log every outreach, appointment, and follow-up. Follow your carriers' recordkeeping requirements, which often specify how long to retain materials.
Avoid comparing plans or quoting benefits in text messages. Keep texts to scheduling and confirmation, and save the substantive discussion for a call, where you can follow the required steps.
Key takeaways
- →Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment runs January 1 to March 31 for people already in an MA plan.
- →It allows one switch: to another MA plan or to Original Medicare.
- →Text only people who have given you permission.
- →Use texts to schedule plan reviews, not to explain plan details.
- →Remind clients as March 31 approaches.
Put this into practice with Text2Sale
Import leads, create follow-up campaigns, organize replies, and connect texting, calling, and appointments in one workspace.
Frequently asked questions
Who can use the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?
People already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. They can make one change, switching plans or returning to Original Medicare.
Can I text all my Medicare leads in January?
Only those who gave permission to be contacted. CMS rules prohibit unsolicited contact to market Medicare plans.
Is this compliance advice?
No. It is general information. The CMS Medicare Communications and Marketing Guidelines and your carriers' requirements apply.