Janine is enrolled in a 3-star plan. What should Josh advise her regarding a 5-star plan in her area?

When discussing Janine's options regarding switching from a 3-star plan to a 5-star plan, it's important to consider the rules governing enrollment periods for Medicare Advantage plans. A 5-star plan is a designation given by Medicare based on quality measures, and beneficiaries have specific opportunities to change plans based on their star ratings.

The correct guidance for Janine is that she can only switch to the 5-star plan during the Annual Election Period (AEP), which typically occurs once a year. This specific window is designed to allow beneficiaries to evaluate their current plans, consider quality ratings, and make desired changes. Her ability to switch is not available at any time throughout the year, as there are set periods when changes can be made in order to manage enrollment effectively.

It's worth noting that while there are special enrollment periods for certain circumstances, they do not apply in Janine's case if she is simply looking to switch to a higher-rated plan due to the quality designation. Thus, understanding the significance of AEP is crucial for beneficiaries in navigating their options effectively.