What is the Annual Enrollment Period?
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), sometimes called Medicare Open Enrollment, runs from October 15 through December 7 every year. During these weeks you can:
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare
- Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- Join, switch or drop a Part D prescription drug plan
Changes you make take effect on January 1. If you make more than one change during the AEP, the last one you make before December 7 is the one that counts.
Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)
If you're in a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, your plan must send you an Annual Notice of Change by the end of September. It explains what's changing next year — premiums, deductibles, copays, the drug list and the provider network.
Read it carefully and look for changes that affect you. Is your doctor still in network? Are your medicines still covered, and on the same tier? Did your hospital copay go up? Keep the notice handy — it's the most useful thing to bring to a plan review.
Happy with your plan? You don't need to do anything
Your plan renews automatically for the next year. You don't need to call anyone or re-enroll. Many people stay in the same plan for years because it continues to meet their needs.
Unhappy with the changes?
Schedule an in-person review with us. We'll go through your Annual Notice of Change together, compare other plans available where you live, and help you switch if something fits better — all before the December 7 deadline.
If your health has changed
If you've been diagnosed with a chronic heart condition or diabetes, you may qualify for a Chronic Condition Special Needs Plan with enhanced benefits. The Annual Enrollment Period is a good time to find out. Changes in your medicines are also a reason to recheck your Part D coverage.
Other enrollment periods to know
- Initial Enrollment Period: the seven months around your 65th birthday — the three months before, your birthday month and the three months after.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31): if you're in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to another Medicare Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare, one time.
- Special Enrollment Periods: certain events, such as moving, losing other coverage or qualifying for Extra Help, let you make changes at other times of the year.
How to prepare for your review
Gather these before your appointment:
- Your Annual Notice of Change and your current plan ID card
- Your red, white and blue Medicare card
- A list of your medicines, with doses
- The names of your doctors, specialists and preferred hospital
- The pharmacy you use
Be careful with unexpected calls during enrollment season — scammers are especially active in the fall. Read our tips on avoiding Medicare scams.
Annual Enrollment questions
Do I have to do anything during Annual Enrollment?
No. If you're happy with your coverage, it renews automatically. The Annual Enrollment Period is simply your chance to make changes if you want to.
Can I switch from Medicare Advantage to a Medicare Supplement during the AEP?
You can return to Original Medicare during the AEP, but in most cases a Medicare Supplement company can ask health questions when you apply outside your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. Talk with us before you drop a Medicare Advantage plan.
When will my new plan start?
Changes made during the Annual Enrollment Period take effect on January 1.
Does the AEP apply to Medicare Supplement plans?
Not directly. Medigap policies don't follow the Annual Enrollment Period; you can apply at other times of year, although health questions may apply. The AEP is about Medicare Advantage and Part D plans.
What happens if I miss December 7?
Your current coverage continues. If you're in a Medicare Advantage plan, you may still make one change during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31), or you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
