What is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)?

Medicare health plans and benefits can change every year. The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) lets you review your coverage and confirm your plan still fits your health and financial needs. Using this window helps ensure you don’t miss better plan options in your area.

When Is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, also known as Medicare Open Enrollment, runs from October 15 through December 7 every year, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

During this time, anyone enrolled in Original Medicare Part A and Part B can review, compare, and change their coverage for the following year. The Kaiser Family Foundation notes that any adjustments you make will take effect on January 1 of the following year.

Why Should You Review Your Medicare Health Plan Each Year?

Even if you’re satisfied with your current coverage, it’s smart to review your plan annually because:

• Medicare health plans can update their contracts with Medicare, which could affect your doctors, hospitals, or prescription coverage.
• New plans may become available in your county offering lower costs or higher-quality ratings.
• Your health needs or budget may have changed over the past year.

Each year, insurance companies may adjust provider networks, premiums, or covered medications, which could affect your out-of-pocket costs. A quick plan review helps you avoid unexpected costs and keeps your care aligned with your priorities.

What Changes Can You Make During the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?

If you are already enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B, you may:

• Switch from a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan and return to Original Medicare (Parts A & B).
• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan.
• Switch to one Medicare Advantage plan from another (with or without Part D plan coverage).
• Enroll in or switch to a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
• Drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare, or drop a Medicare Advantage plan in favor of a different one.
• Drop your Part D coverage entirely. Be mindful that, according to Medicare.gov, dropping your drug coverage without other creditable coverage could result in a late enrollment penalty if you decide to rejoin later.

Important: According to Medicare.gov, if you’ve just turned 65 and are enrolling in Medicare for the first time, your window is your Initial Enrollment Period, the General Enrollment Period, or a Special Enrollment Period, not AEP.

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• Compare all major plans and carriers
• Local, licensed insurance agents with 25+ years of combined experience

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How Do You Know If You Should Change Plans?

Your plan must send you an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and Evidence of Coverage (EOC) between September 1 and September 30 each year. These documents explain how your coverage, costs, and benefits will change next year.

• Your preferred doctors or prescriptions may no longer be covered
• Your premiums or out-of-pocket costs are increasing
• You want extra benefits not included in Original Medicare

According to Medicare.gov, if you haven’t received your ANOC by September 30, contact your plan provider immediately to request a copy. Reviewing these documents early gives you time to compare alternatives before the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) begins.

Key Questions When Comparing Plans

When reviewing your coverage, ask yourself:

• Has my health or budget changed since last year?
• Will my plan still cover my doctors, specialists, and medications?
• Are there plans with lower costs?
• Does the plan offer valuable extra benefits?
• Consider whether the plan includes prescription drug coverage or whether you’ll need a separate Part D plan to meet your medication needs.

New plans enter the market each year, and a simple comparison could help you save significantly or gain better coverage.

How to Enroll or Switch Plans During AEP

After reviewing your ANOC and comparing plans, it’s wise to speak with a local licensed insurance agent. An expert can confirm you’re choosing the most cost-effective and comprehensive option.

What you need to get started:

• Your Medicare card
• A list of your medications and preferred doctors

Agent tip:

“Comparing Medicare health plans can be overwhelming. Talking to a licensed insurance agent can simplify your choices by matching plans to your health and budget before the December 7 deadline.”

Can You Change Plans After You Enroll?

Yes. If you enroll in a plan early during AEP (October 15 – December 7) and later change your mind, you can make another switch within the same enrollment window. After that, your next opportunity is a Special Enrollment Period, if your situation qualifies.

Your Medicare Annual Enrollment Period Checklist

Should you make a change? Download our free Medicare Annual Enrollment Period Checklist with 15 simple yes-or-no questions covering health, budget, and coverage. This helps you decide if switching plans could benefit you.

Bottom Line

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) is your annual chance to confirm your coverage still matches your health and budget. Even if you’re satisfied with your current plan, reviewing options helps you avoid higher costs, keep your doctors, and take advantage of new benefits. Any changes you make take effect on January 1, so reviewing early is key. To make the most of AEP, call (623) 223-8884 and speak with a licensed agent to find the best coverage for you.

Need Help Deciding The Right Medicare Coverage For You?

• No-cost, unbiased service
• Compare all major plans and carriers
• Local, licensed insurance agents with 25+ years of combined experience

Call Now Compare Plans

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I miss the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?

If you don’t make changes by December 7, your current plan will automatically continue into the following year. Most people will need to wait until the next Annual Enrollment Period or a qualifying Special Enrollment Period to switch.

Can I switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare anytime?

No. You can only switch during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7), or if your situation qualifies for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).

Will changing my plan affect my doctors or hospital access?

Yes, it can. Provider networks vary by plan, so always verify that your preferred doctors and hospitals are included before you enroll.

How do I know if a Part D drug plan is right for me?

Compare your medications and preferred pharmacies with each Part D plan’s formulary. A local licensed insurance agent can help you identify the lowest-cost option.

Does reviewing my plan cost anything?

No. Plan comparisons and consultations with Connie Health’s local licensed insurance agents have no cost and come with no obligation.

What if I just turned 65?

If you’ve just turned 65, the Annual Enrollment Period isn’t your enrollment window. You’ll use your Initial Enrollment Period instead, which runs around your 65th birthday.