Annual Enrollment Period · Oct 15 – Dec 7
Medicare Open Enrollment: What You Need to Know
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs October 15 through December 7 each year. That is the main window most people can switch Medicare Advantage or Part D plans without a qualifying life event. Changes start January 1. Skip your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and you can lose a doctor, hit a formulary gap, or walk into a benefit change you did not see coming.
Every fall, Medicare gives you a window to review and change your coverage. Missing it, or rubber-stamping last year's plan, can cost you thousands. Here is what to check before December 7.
Last updated Jul 11, 2026
Key Dates to Know
Mark your calendar. The AEP window is only 54 days.
Insurance companies publish their new plan details for the upcoming year. Start reviewing changes to your current plan.
The Annual Enrollment Period officially begins. You can now enroll in, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage and Part D plans.
Last day to make changes. Any plan switch you make takes effect January 1 of the new year.
Your new plan takes effect. Make sure your doctors and pharmacy are aware of any plan changes.
What You Can Change During AEP
AEP applies to Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Part D plans only, not Medigap.
Switch Medicare Advantage Plans
Move from one Medicare Advantage plan to another. Change your carrier, network type (HMO vs PPO), or benefit structure.
Switch from Advantage to Original Medicare
Drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare (Parts A & B), and add a standalone Part D plan.
Switch from Original Medicare to Advantage
Enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time or after a gap in Advantage coverage.
Change Your Part D Drug Plan
Switch to a Part D plan with stronger formulary fit for your medications, a preferred pharmacy, or updated benefit structure.
Add Part D Coverage
Enroll in a standalone Part D prescription drug plan if you currently have Original Medicare without drug coverage.
Drop Part D Coverage
Remove your standalone Part D plan if you are enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan that already includes drug coverage.
What AEP Does NOT Cover
You cannot change a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan during AEP. Medigap changes require medical underwriting outside of guaranteed-issue periods. You also cannot enroll in Medicare Parts A or B for the first time during AEP - that requires your Initial Enrollment Period or a Special Enrollment Period.
Enrollment period checker
Find which Medicare enrollment window may apply right now. Special Enrollment Periods are fact-specific. An agent or SHIP counselor should confirm before you enroll.
Educational guide only. SEP eligibility depends on your specific facts and CMS rules. Your contact form will note this tool result so Max can confirm the correct window.
More estimators: Medicare tools hub
Your AEP Review Checklist
Before December 7, work through this checklist to make sure your coverage still fits your health and budget.
Free Resource
Email Me the 7-Point AEP Review Checklist
Get the full printable checklist: ANOC review, formulary checks, network verification, and enrollment deadlines.
- Check your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)
- Review whether doctors and specialists are still in-network
- + more in the full checklist
Get a Free AEP Plan Review
We compare every plan available in your county against your doctors, prescriptions, and budget. At no cost to you.
Free Medicare Review(850) 613-0057Serving FL, AL, GA & NC · Virtual & phone appointments
AEP Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Medicare Annual Enrollment from beneficiaries across the Southeast.
What is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)?
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), also called the Fall Open Enrollment Period, runs October 15 through December 7 every year. During this window, Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their Medicare Advantage and/or Part D prescription drug plans. Changes take effect January 1 of the following year.
Can I change my Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan during AEP?
No. AEP applies only to Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Part D prescription drug plans. Medigap plans are not part of AEP. To change a Medigap plan outside of your initial enrollment window, you typically need to pass medical underwriting unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period or live in a state with guaranteed-issue protections.
What happens if I do nothing during AEP?
Your current plan will automatically renew for the new year. However, plans frequently change their formularies, networks, and benefits each year. Doing nothing without reviewing your Annual Notice of Change could mean you are enrolled in a plan that no longer fits your needs starting January 1.
Is there a Medicare Open Enrollment Period different from AEP?
Yes. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA-OEP) runs January 1 through March 31 each year. During this window, people already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can switch to a different Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare once. It is more limited than AEP and does not allow switching standalone Part D plans.
Do plan changes take effect immediately during AEP?
No. Any plan change you make during AEP, whether you switch, enroll, or drop a plan. Takes effect on January 1 of the following calendar year, not when you make the change.
How can SwitchBlue help me during AEP?
We review your current plan against options available in your county, check your doctors and prescriptions against each plan's network and formulary, and help you enroll in a plan that fits your needs at no cost to you. We serve beneficiaries across Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina.
Start with Medicare Plan Finder
Medicare.gov Plan Finder is the official tool for comparing every plan in your area. Gather these details first, then open Plan Finder, or bring your results to a free SwitchBlue review.
SwitchBlue is not the U.S. government or Medicare. Plan Finder on Medicare.gov is the official comparison tool. We can walk through your Plan Finder results at no cost to you.
Prefer to Research on Your Own?
Other official, free resources:
Medicare Plan Availability: We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE for all options. SwitchBlue Insurance Agency LLC is a licensed independent insurance agency and is not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.