AEP
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period — October 15 to December 7.
Your main yearly chance to switch Medicare plans. Here is what you can do, what to review, and how to prepare.
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What you can do during AEP
- Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage
- Switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare (+ optionally a Part D plan)
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- Switch from one Part D plan to another
- Drop a Part D plan
Changes take effect January 1. See our all enrollment periods guide.
What to review before AEP
- Your plan's Annual Notice of Change (ANOC). Mailed each September. Lists premium, deductible, copay, and formulary changes for next year.
- Your current prescription list. Check that every drug is still on your plan's formulary at the same tier.
- Your current doctors. Confirm they are still in network.
- Your out-of-pocket maximum. Did it change?
- Star ratings. See our star ratings guide.
Common AEP mistakes
- Switching plans because of a TV ad benefit you may not qualify for
- Not checking the formulary against current prescriptions
- Switching from Medigap to Advantage without realizing you may face underwriting to switch back later — see Advantage vs. Supplement
- Missing AEP entirely and being stuck with a plan that no longer fits
Frequently asked questions
When is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?
AEP runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. Plan changes made during AEP take effect on January 1 of the following year.
What can I do during AEP?
During AEP you can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change Advantage plans, change Part D plans, or drop a Part D plan.
What happens if I do nothing during AEP?
Your current Medicare plan generally rolls over to the next year. Plan benefits and costs may change, so review your Annual Notice of Change letter from your plan in September.