What is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?
What Is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period? Your Guide to Making Smart Coverage Choices
Every year, millions of Medicare beneficiaries get the opportunity to review and update their coverage. This window of time is called the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, or AEP — and it’s one of the most important times of the year for anyone on Medicare.
Whether you’re newly eligible or have been enrolled for years, understanding AEP can help you save money, improve your benefits, and ensure your health coverage fits your needs.
When Is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period happens every year from October 15 to December 7.
Any changes you make during this window take effect on January 1 of the following year.
What Can You Do During the Annual Enrollment Period?
AEP gives you flexibility to adjust your coverage. Here’s what you’re allowed to do during this time:
🔄 Switch Medicare Advantage Plans
Move from one Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan to another — great if you’re looking for better benefits, lower premiums, or a different doctor network.
🆓 Go Back to Original Medicare
You can leave a Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).
➕ Join a Medicare Advantage Plan
If you currently have Original Medicare, you can sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time.
💊 Join, Drop, or Change a Part D Drug Plan
AEP is the main time of year when you can switch your prescription drug coverage.
🩺 Pair Original Medicare With a New Drug Plan
If you’re sticking with Part A & Part B, AEP is when you can add or change your stand-alone Part D plan.
Why Is the Annual Enrollment Period So Important?
Plans change every year — and so do your health needs. That’s why reviewing your coverage is essential.
Here’s why AEP matters:
✔ Your plan’s premiums, copays, or drug formulary may change
What worked for you last year might not be the best fit for the upcoming year.
✔ You might save money
New plans often offer lower costs or better value.
✔ You could get more benefits
Medicare Advantage plans frequently add new perks like dental, vision, hearing, fitness memberships, OTC allowances, or transportation services.
✔ Your doctors or medications may no longer be covered
AEP lets you make sure your plan still meets your needs before changes take effect.
What You Can’t Do During AEP
It’s important to know that Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies are not affected by AEP.
Medigap enrollment follows different rules and often requires medical underwriting if you want to switch plans.
How to Prepare for the Annual Enrollment Period
Here are a few helpful steps:
📄 Review Your Annual Notice of Change
Your current plan will send this in September outlining next year’s changes.
💊 Make a list of your medications
Compare them with the formularies of available plans.
🩺 Check your doctors
Confirm they’re still in-network for next year.
💬 Speak with a licensed agent
An expert can compare plans side-by-side and help you navigate the changes.
The Bottom Line
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is your yearly opportunity to make sure your coverage still aligns with your health needs and budget. Between October 15 and December 7, you can switch plans, improve your benefits, and position yourself for a healthier year ahead.