Every fall, there’s a specific window of time when Medicare beneficiaries can review and change their coverage for the coming year. It’s called the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) — and if you have Medicare, it’s the most important date on your calendar.
Here’s everything you need to know about AEP, what you can and can’t do during it, and how to use it to your advantage.
When Is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs every year from October 15 through December 7. Any changes you make during this window take effect on January 1 of the following year.
Mark it on your calendar now — this is your once-a-year opportunity to review your coverage and make sure it still fits your life.
What Can You Do During AEP?
During the Annual Enrollment Period, you can:
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan
- Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to a different one
- Join a Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan if you don’t have one
- Switch from one Part D plan to a different one
- Drop your Part D plan (though this is rarely advisable)
You do not need to make a change during AEP — if your current plan still works well for you, you can simply do nothing and your coverage will automatically renew.
Why You Should Review Your Plan Every Year — Even If You’re Happy
This is the part most people miss: your plan changes every year, even if you don’t. Each fall, insurance carriers are allowed to modify their Medicare Advantage and Part D plans for the coming year. That means your plan’s premium, copays, drug formulary, provider network, and extra benefits can all shift — sometimes significantly.
You’ll receive an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) from your plan in September. This document outlines every change coming to your plan in January. Read it carefully. A plan that was perfect for you this year might not be the best option next year.
Common reasons people switch plans during AEP:
- Their premium increased significantly
- A key medication was moved to a higher-cost tier or dropped from the formulary
- Their preferred doctor left the plan’s network
- A better plan became available in their area
- Their health needs changed and they want different coverage
What AEP Is NOT For
AEP is specifically for Medicare Advantage and Part D changes. It does not apply to Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans — those have their own separate enrollment rules and underwriting requirements. If you want to change your Medigap plan, talk to a broker about your options outside of AEP.
Tips for Making the Most of AEP
- Update your medication list before October. Make sure you have a current, accurate list of every drug you take so you can check formulary coverage.
- Don’t wait until December 7. Starting your review in October gives you time to compare options carefully without feeling rushed.
- Use Medicare’s Plan Finder tool at medicare.gov to compare plans in your area.
- Work with an independent broker who can compare all available plans for free and flag changes you might miss on your own.
- Don’t ignore your ANOC letter. It arrives in September — read it as soon as it comes.
Free AEP Reviews in Daytona Beach
Every year during AEP, the team at USA Benefits Group conducts free Medicare plan reviews for existing and new clients throughout the Daytona Beach area. We compare your current coverage against every plan available in your zip code and let you know if there’s something better — or confirm you’re already in the right plan.
There’s no obligation and no cost. We’re an independent broker, so we represent all major Medicare carriers and have no incentive to steer you in any particular direction.
Call us at (386) 401-5644 or schedule your free AEP review — in person in Daytona Beach, by phone, or via Zoom.
USA Benefits Group serves Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, Port Orange, South Daytona, DeLand, New Smyrna Beach, and Jacksonville. We are licensed and appointed with every Medicare carrier plan accessible in Florida.
