Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), also called the Annual Election Period, is the Medicare open enrollment period. During this time you can sign up for, switch or disenroll from a Medicare Advantage health plan.

AEP runs from October 15th to December 7th every year, and it allows Medicare beneficiaries to make changes to their plan, switch plans, or disenroll from a plan. If you want to change your coverage for next year, this is the time to do it.

During AEP, it’s a good idea for people with Medicare to review their current health and prescription drug coverage. Check for changes in costs, coverage, and the in-network status of your health care providers and pharmacies. You have that opportunity to change your Medicare health plan and prescription drug coverage for the following year to better meet your needs. If you’re satisfied with your current coverage, you don’t need to do anything.

If you make a change, the new plan usually becomes effective on January 1st of the upcoming year.