Understanding the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

Understanding the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) happens each year from October 15 to December 7. During this time, you can make changes to your Medicare plan if needed, and those changes will take effect on January 1.

What changes can you make during AEP?

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or switch back.
• Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
• Change to a different Medicare Advantage plan.

If you didn’t sign up for Part D when first eligible, you can still enroll, but you may face a late fee if you didn’t have other drug coverage before.

Changes for People with Medicare Advantage Plans:

• Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan.
• Return to Original Medicare and add a Part D plan if needed.
• Consider enrolling in a Medicare supplemental insurance (Medigap) policy, if available.

Why review your plan?
Medicare Advantage and Part D plans can change yearly, affecting things like costs and coverage. Reviewing your plan during AEP helps ensure it still fits your health needs.

Do you need to re-enroll in Medicare every year? No, you don’t have to re-enroll or renew your Medicare plans annually unless your plan is being discontinued or your service area changes.

Questions:

If you have any questions regarding Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) please visit our Medicare information site, or contact us at [email protected] / (888)-359-6459.