The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 to December 7 each year, allowing you to change your Medicare coverage for the following year. During this time, you can join, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, or join, switch, or drop Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. You can also switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan or vice versa. Changes made during AEP take effect on January 1 of the next year.
 

What You Can Do During AEP

• Change Part D drug plans:

  If you have Original Medicare, you can join, drop, or switch to a different Part D drug plan. 

• Change Medicare Advantage plans:

  You can switch to a new Medicare Advantage plan with or without drug coverage. 

• Switch between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare:

  You can move from one to the other or from one Medicare Advantage plan to another. 

Why AEP Is Important

• Review your plan:

  This is your annual opportunity to review your current coverage and shop for new plans. 

• Make needed adjustments:

  You can adjust your plan based on new health concerns, medication needs, changes in your budget, or new doctors. 

• Avoid coverage gaps:

  By enrolling in the right plan, you can avoid penalties for not having drug coverage. 

What to Expect

• Coverage starts January 1:

  Any changes you make during the Annual Enrollment Period will go into effect on January 1 of the next year. 

• Consider automatic renewal:

  You can also choose to do nothing if you are happy with your current coverage, and it will automatically renew.