Medicare guidance
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period
From October 15 through December 7, Medicare beneficiaries can review and change Medicare Advantage and Part D coverage for the following year. The right comparison looks beyond the premium to your doctors, prescriptions, pharmacies, medical costs and plan rules.
What Can You Change During Annual Enrollment?
Change Medicare Advantage plans
Move from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, including a plan with or without prescription coverage when the election is permitted.
Move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
Join a Medicare Advantage plan from Original Medicare, or leave Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare.
Change Part D coverage
Join, switch or drop a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, subject to Medicare’s eligibility and enrollment rules.
Keep current coverage
AEP does not require a change. A careful annual Medicare plan review may confirm that your current plan still fits.
What Annual Enrollment Does Not Automatically Do
- It is not the standard time to enroll in Parts A and B. First-time Medicare enrollment generally follows an Initial, Special or General Enrollment Period. Start with the Medicare Enrollment Periods hub.
- It does not guarantee Medigap acceptance. Leaving Medicare Advantage for Original Medicare does not by itself guarantee that a Medicare Supplement insurer will accept an application. Review switching from Medicare Advantage to Medigap during AEP, Medigap underwriting and any applicable guaranteed-issue right before changing coverage.
- It is different from Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs January 1 through March 31 and is limited to people already enrolled in Medicare Advantage.
What Should You Review Before December 7?
- Read the plan’s Annual Notice of Change. Use the ANOC guide to identify changes in premiums, benefits, networks, drug coverage and cost sharing.
- Verify doctors and facilities for the new plan year. Use the provider-network checklist and confirm important providers with both the plan and the provider.
- Enter every prescription and preferred pharmacy. Compare formulary status, tiers, restrictions and estimated costs. A Medicare Advantage plan’s drug coverage should be reviewed with the MA prescription-comparison guide; standalone drug coverage belongs in the Part D resource center.
- Compare total cost—not only premium. Review deductibles, copays, coinsurance, drug costs and the medical maximum out-of-pocket limit.
- Confirm what the election will replace. Understand the effective date and how a new election affects existing Medicare Advantage, Part D, employer, retiree or other coverage before submitting it.
How the Major Enrollment Periods Differ
| Enrollment period | Typical timing | Primary purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Enrollment Period | October 15–December 7 | Review and change Medicare Advantage or Part D coverage for January 1. |
| Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment | January 1–March 31 | One limited change for someone already enrolled in Medicare Advantage. |
| Special Enrollment Period | Depends on the qualifying event | Make specific permitted changes after certain life, coverage or plan events. See the Special Enrollment Period guide. |
| Initial Enrollment Period | Usually a seven-month window around age 65 | Begin Medicare for the first time. Review the Initial Enrollment Period. |
Medicare AEP FAQ
When is Medicare Annual Enrollment?
It runs from October 15 through December 7 every year. Elections generally take effect January 1.
Do I have to change plans during AEP?
No. Review your upcoming coverage and change only when another option better fits your providers, prescriptions, costs and priorities.
Can I enroll in Medicare Parts A and B during AEP?
AEP is not the standard Parts A and B enrollment window. Parts A and B use Initial, Special and General Enrollment Period rules.
Can I buy any Medigap plan during AEP?
Not automatically. Medicare Advantage and Part D election rights are separate from Medigap acceptance rules. Underwriting may apply unless you are in Medigap Open Enrollment or have a guaranteed-issue right.
Sources
Independent Medicare guidance
Compare Coverage Around Your Actual Healthcare
Thompson Medicare Brokerage helps Missouri and Illinois beneficiaries compare the Medicare Advantage, Part D and Medicare Supplement plans represented by the brokerage. The goal is an informed decision—not a change for the sake of changing.
Thompson Medicare Brokerage is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This page provides general educational information. Enrollment rights, effective dates, plan availability, costs and Medigap eligibility depend on individual facts, location and current Medicare rules.