What Is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)?

Your Guide to the Most Important Medicare Dates of the Year
Every fall, Medicare beneficiaries across the country start hearing a flood of ads, mailers, and phone calls about the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). It can feel overwhelming — but when you strip away the noise, AEP is simply a window of time when you can review your Medicare coverage and make changes if needed.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly what AEP is, what you can do during this period, and how to know whether you should take action.
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7 each year.
  • Any changes you make during this window take effect on January 1 of the following year.
  • Once the window closes, you can’t make additional changes until the next AEP — unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

When Is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?

During AEP, you have the flexibility to:
  • Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan
  • Switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare (with or without a Medicare Supplement,if eligible)
  • Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
You can make multiple changes within this timeframe, but remember: the last choice you make before December 7 is the one that will go into effect on January 1.

What You Can Do During AEP

Do You Have to Make a Change?

One of the biggest misconceptions about AEP is that everyone must change their coverage. That’s simply not true.
If your current plan still covers your doctors, prescriptions, and fits your budget, you may be fine staying put. However, it’s important to review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) each year to make sure your plan isn’t changing in ways that might affect you — like higher premiums, different drug formularies, or providers leaving the network.

Why AEP Matters

Here’s why this window is so important:
  • Plans change every year — premiums, deductibles, networks, and drug coverage may look different than they did last year.
  • Your health changes — new prescriptions, specialist visits, or hospital stays may mean your current plan no longer fits.
  • Your budget matters — comparing plan options could help you save money while keeping the coverage you need.

How to Prepare for AEP

Here are a few simple steps to take before October 15:
  • Review your ANOC — note any premium or benefit changes.
  • List your current medications — check if they’ll still be covered affordably.
  • Check your providers — make sure your doctors remain in-network if you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan.
  • Talk to a trusted resource — Medicare.gov’s Plan Finder is helpful, but an independent broker can walk you through your personal options in plain language.

Key Takeaway

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is not about forcing you to change — it’s about giving you the opportunity to adjust if your needs or your plan have changed. Whether you switch plans or stay with what you have, the most important step is reviewing your coverage

Choosing the Right Medicare Coverage

Selecting the best Medicare coverage depends on factors like your healthcare needs, budget, and preferred providers. You can choose between:
  • Original Medicare (Parts A & B): Allows you to see any doctor or
    hospital that accepts Medicare but does not include prescription drug
    coverage (Part D) or additional benefits.
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C): Offers bundled coverage with
    potential extra benefits but may require using a network of providers.
  • Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance): Helps cover
    out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as
    copayments and deductibles.

Key Medicare Enrollment Periods

It is crucial to enroll in Medicare at the right time to avoid penalties and ensure continuous coverage:
  • Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): A seven-month window starting
    three months before your 65th birthday month.
  • General Enrollment Period (GEP): From January 1 to March 31
    each year for those who missed their IEP.
  • Annual Election Period (AEP): From October 15 to December 7,
    allowing you to switch or enroll in Medicare Advantage and Part D
    plans.
  • Open Enrollment Period(OEP): From January 1 to March 31 for
    those who missed AEP and want to make certain changes.
  • Special Enrollment Period(SEP): Can be used anytime during the
    calendar year for those that meet certain criteria such as moving to a
    new service area.

Finding Help with Medicare

Understanding Medicare can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Licensed Insurance Brokers, Medicare.gov, and state health assistance programs can provide guidance tailored to your specific needs.
By taking the time to explore your Medicare options, you can make informed decisions that ensure you receive the healthcare coverage that best suits your lifestyle and budget.
Do I have to sign up for Medicare?
It depends upon your current coverage. If you are employed and your employer has over 20 employees then you can delay signing up for Medicare and avoid penalties.
No, You will have to enroll in a stand alone Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan(Part C) to get coverage.
There are no networks with Medicare and most doctors and hospitals accept it. However, Medicare does not cover 100% of services so a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plans is advisable.

Mike Miligi- Owner

For over 10 years, Mike has been assisting Seniors and other Medicare-eligible individuals in understanding the ins and outs of Medicare and Medicare Health Insurance options, including Medicare Advantage Plans(Part C), Medicare Supplement Plans(Medigap), Prescription Drug Plans(PartD), and Dental and Vision programs.
Mike is Licensed in seven States and Certified with 11 Insurance Carriers. He has helped thousands of individuals decide on the best course of action for their particular Health Insurance needs. Because Mike is an Independent Medicare Health Insurance Broker, he works for the client, not the Insurance Carriers, and is able to provide his clients with accurate and unbiased Health Insurance options.
Mike recertifies with CMS(The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) annually, regularly completes Continuing Education Courses required by individual State Insurance Departments, and keeps abreast of industry trends and standards to offer his clients the most up-to-date information.
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