My client wants to switch to a 5-star plan mid-year. Is there an election period for that?
Yes. There is a Special Election Period (SEP) specifically for enrolling in a plan with a 5-star overall performance rating, usable once per contract year, running from December 8 before that contract year through November 30 of that contract year.
What the rule says
MA plans:
“The individual is requesting enrollment in an MA plan offered by an MA organization with a Star Rating of 5 Stars. An individual may use this SEP only once for the contract year in which the MA plan was assigned a 5-star overall performance rating, beginning the December 8th before that contract year through November 30th of that contract year.”
Part D plans:
“The individual is requesting enrollment in a Part D plan offered by a Part D plan sponsor with a Star Rating of 5 Stars. An individual may use this SEP only once for the contract year in which the Part D plan was assigned a 5-star overall performance rating, beginning the December 8 before that contract year through November 30 of that contract year.”
Effective date:
“For an election or change of election made during a special election period as described in § 422.62(b), the coverage or change in coverage is effective the first day of the calendar month following the month in which the election is made, unless otherwise noted.”
CMS guidance detail:
“Individuals may use the 5-star SEP to disenroll from an MA plan by enrolling in a 5-star MA or Part D plan that is open for enrollment.”
“An individual may not use this SEP for more than one enrollment in a contract year.”
This guidance excerpt is from the CY 2027 enrollment guidance, which applies to enrollment requests received on or after January 1, 2027 (and plans may apply it to AEP enrollments effective January 1, 2027). The plan must currently hold a 5-star overall rating for the applicable contract year, and this SEP can only be used once per year.
Carrier and FMO rules are often stricter than CMS rules. This tool reports what CMS sources say and is not legal advice. Enrollment guidance shown is the CY 2027 version. Regulation text reflects the CY 2027 marketing rules, which apply to marketing beginning October 1, 2026.
This answer was generated by mapdbot from the sources listed below on September 23, 2026 and checked against them. Regulation text: eCFR as of 09/15/2026. It is for licensed insurance agents, is not legal advice, and does not cover carrier or FMO rules.