Medicare Annual Enrollment Periods

The AEP is for people already in Medicare.   

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for Medicare, also known as the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, runs each year from October 15 to December 7. During this time, individuals who are already enrolled in Medicare can make changes to their coverage for the upcoming year.

Here’s what you can do during AEP:

• Switch Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C), either from one to another or back to Original Medicare (Parts A & B).
• Enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan if you're already in Original Medicare.
• Switch Medicare Part D plans, which provide prescription drug coverage.
• Join, drop, or change Part D plans to better suit your prescription needs.

Any changes made during the AEP take effect on January 1 of the following year. It’s a key period for reviewing your current plan to ensure it still meets your healthcare and financial needs, as plans and personal circumstances can change year to year.

During AEP, it's important to compare coverage options, review premium costs, and ensure that your preferred doctors and prescriptions are covered.