The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is the yearly opportunity to review and change your Medicare health and prescription drug coverage. It runs from October 15 through December 7 each year, and changes made during this period generally take effect January 1 of the following year.
If you have Medicare, AEP is an important time to look at your current coverage and make sure your plan still meets your healthcare needs, prescription needs, preferred doctors, and budget.
When Is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7 every year.
Any changes you make during AEP generally take effect January 1 of the following year, as long as the plan receives your enrollment request by December 7.
Medicare AEP at a glance
October 15 - Medicare Annual Enrollment Period begins
December 7 - AEP ends
January 1 - Changes made during AEP generally take effect
Important: Medicare enrollment periods can be confusing, and the options available to you depend on the type of Medicare coverage you have and your individual circumstances.
What Can You Do During Medicare AEP?
During the Annual Enrollment Period, Medicare beneficiaries can make several types of coverage changes.
Depending on your current coverage, you can:
- Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C)
- Switch between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage Plan
- Add, drop or change Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D)
- Switch from one Medicare drug plan to another if you have Original Medicare
- Review your current plan and choose different coverage for the upcoming year
Because plan benefits, costs, provider networks, and prescription coverage can change from year to year, reviewing your coverage each fall can help you understand what to expect in the new plan year.
Do I Have to Change My Medicare Plan During AEP?
No. You don't have to change your Medicare coverage during AEP.
If you're happy with your current plan, you may decide to keep it. However, it's a good idea to review your plan each year rather than automatically assuming everything will remain the same.
Look at your plan's information for the upcoming year and consider whether there have been changes to:
- Monthly premiums
- Deductibles and copays
- Prescription drug coverage
- Covered medications
- Doctor and hospital networks
- Dental, vision, or hearing benefits
- Other plan benefits
- Your healthcare needs
Your healthcare needs can change over time, too. A plan that worked well for you last year may not be the best fit for your needs this year.
What Should I Review During Medicare AEP?
Before choosing or changing coverage, take some time to consider your healthcare needs.
1. Review Your Current Medicare Coverage
Start by looking at your current plan and the information it provides for the upcoming year.
Pay attention to changes in costs, benefits, coverage rules, and provider networks.
2. Check Your Doctors and Healthcare Providers
If keeping your current doctor is important to you, check whether your doctors, specialists, hospitals, and other healthcare providers participate in the plan you're considering.
Provider networks can change, so it's a good idea to verify this information each year.
3. Review Your Prescription Drug Coverage
Make a list of the medications you take regularly and check whether they are covered by the plan you're considering.
You may also want to compare your prescription costs, pharmacy options, and other plan requirements.
4. Compare Your Costs
Don't look only at the monthly premium.
Consider the overall costs you may pay throughout the year, including:
- Premiums
- Deductibles
- Copays
- Coinsurance
- Prescription costs
- Other out-of-pocket expenses
5. Consider Your Healthcare Needs for the Year Ahead
Think about the care you've needed over the past year and what you may need in the coming year.
For example, have you started taking new medications? Do you expect to see a specialist more often? Are dental, vision, or hearing benefits important to you?
These considerations can help you compare your available coverage more carefully.
What's the Difference Between Medicare AEP and Medicare OEP?
The terms Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) and Open Enrollment Period (OEP) are sometimes used interchangeably, which can make Medicare terminology confusing.
For Medicare, the October 15–December 7 period is officially called Open Enrollment by Medicare.gov and is commonly referred to as the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP).
There is also a separate Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, which runs from January 1 through March 31for people who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan.
During that period, someone with a Medicare Advantage Plan can generally:
- Switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan
- Leave Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare
- Join a separate Medicare drug plan when returning to Original Medicare
You can generally make only one change during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period.
Is Medicare AEP the Same as the Initial Enrollment Period?
No. The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is different from AEP.
Your Initial Enrollment Period is generally the first opportunity to enroll in Medicare when you become eligible. For most people, it lasts seven months: three months before the month you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and three months afterward.
AEP occurs every year from October 15 through December 7 and is primarily an opportunity for people who already have Medicare to review and change certain aspects of their coverage for the upcoming year.
What If I Miss the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?
If you miss the December 7 deadline, you may still have other enrollment opportunities depending on your situation.
For example, people already enrolled in Medicare Advantage may have the opportunity to make a change during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 through March 31.
You may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if certain circumstances apply, such as moving, losing certain coverage or experiencing another qualifying life event. Special Enrollment Period rules vary depending on the situation.
If you're unsure which enrollment period applies to you, Medicare.gov can help you determine your options.
How Can Caregivers Help During Medicare AEP?
Family members and caregivers can be helpful when a loved one is reviewing Medicare coverage.
They can help by:
- Gathering current insurance information
- Making a list of medications
- Confirming preferred doctors and specialists
- Comparing plan costs and benefits
- Helping organize Medicare documents
- Keeping track of important enrollment deadlines
- Helping a loved one find reliable Medicare information
Taking time to review the details together can make the process feel more manageable.
Where Can I Compare Medicare Plans?
Medicare.gov's Medicare Plan Finder is an official resource that can help you compare Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug plans available in your area.
You can also contact 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for help with Medicare questions.
If you work with an insurance agent or broker, make sure they are licensed and can explain your available options.
Medicare AEP: Start Reviewing Your Coverage Early
You don't have to wait until the last few days of AEP to start reviewing your Medicare coverage.
October 15 through December 7 is your annual opportunity to review your Medicare coverage and make changes for the year ahead.
Start by reviewing your current plan, medications, doctors, healthcare needs and expected costs. If you decide to make a change, make sure your enrollment request is submitted by December 7.
At VIPcare, our goal is to help seniors make informed decisions about their healthcare. If you're considering a new primary care doctor during Medicare AEP, our team can help you understand how changing doctors works and whether VIPcare may be an option with your Medicare coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare AEP
What is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), also called Medicare Open Enrollment, runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. During this period, eligible Medicare beneficiaries can make certain changes to their Medicare health and prescription drug coverage. Changes generally take effect January 1 of the following year.
What is the deadline for Medicare AEP?
The Medicare AEP deadline is December 7. Plan changes made during AEP generally take effect January 1 of the following year.
Can I change my Medicare Advantage plan during AEP?
Yes. During the October 15–December 7 Open Enrollment Period, you can generally join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage Plan, with or without drug coverage.
Can I switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage during AEP?
Yes. During the October 15–December 7 Open Enrollment Period, you can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan if you're eligible to enroll.
When does a Medicare plan change take effect after AEP?
Changes made during Medicare AEP generally take effect January 1 of the following year, as long as the plan receives the enrollment request by December 7.
What happens if I miss the Medicare AEP deadline?
Depending on your circumstances and current coverage, you may have another opportunity to make a change. For example, people already enrolled in Medicare Advantage can generally make certain changes during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 through March 31. Some people may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Do I have to change my Medicare plan every year?
No. You don't have to change your Medicare plan during AEP. However, reviewing your coverage each year can help you understand whether your plan's costs, benefits, drug coverage, and provider network still meet your needs.
Is AEP the same as Medicare Open Enrollment?
Yes. Medicare.gov refers to the October 15–December 7 period as Open Enrollment. Many people and organizations also call it the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP).
