5-Star Special Enrollment Period

The 5-Star Special Enrollment Period lets Medicare beneficiaries switch to a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan that has earned CMS's highest 5-star quality rating — and you can do it any time between December 8 and November 30, outside of normal enrollment windows.

CMS assigns star ratings based on quality measures like customer service, preventive care, and member satisfaction. Only plans that earn a full 5 stars qualify for this SEP, so the number of eligible plans in your area may be limited.

You can use the 5-Star SEP once per year. To find qualifying plans in North Carolina or South Carolina, use the Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov, or ask a licensed advisor to check on your behalf.