THE MEDICARE ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD STARTS OCTOBER 15th

Michael T. Braden August 31, 2025 MEDICARE NEWS

THE MEDICARE ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD IS FAST APPROACHING. ARE YOU READY?

It's Almost Time For The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period. The Medicare Annual Enrollment takes place every year from October 15 through December 7th.

The Medicare AEP or Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15th through December 7th every year. During AEP, about 48 million Medicare Beneficiaries will make at least one change to their Healthcare portfolio for the 2026 Plan Year.

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) occurs annually at the same time each year in the Fall. During the AEP, Medicare beneficiaries can change their current Medicare Advantage Plan, change their Stand-Alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan, leave MEdicare Advantage and go back to Original Medicare, or leave Original Medicare and choose a Medicare Advantage plan for the coming year. All changes made during the AEP will begin on January 1st, 2026.

Medicare Annual Enrollment is an opportunity to review your current coverage and assess your needs. Furthermore, for those who missed their chance to sign up for Medicare Part D when they were first eligible, this is the only time to enroll in coverage each year.

Reviewing your needs at least once a year is always a good idea, and the Fall Enrollment Period is an ideal opportunity. Below, we review the AEP enrollment period, including its timing, operation, and how to utilize it effectively.

THE MEDICARE AEP DEFINED

During the Annual Enrollment Period, you can change your Medicare Part C and Part D plans for the upcoming year. Subsequently, it could also affect your Medicare Supplement plan if you choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period happens each fall and allows you to ensure you are enrolled in the right coverage year after year.

The way in which you are covered for your healthcare expenses is essential for several reasons. There are different options for different people, and considering you can’t have both a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan simultaneously, it’s essential to know your options.

If you have a Medicare Supplement Plan, there is nothing to do during the Annual Enrollment Period. Medigap/Medicare Supplement plans automatically renew each month you own your policy. And, you can check rates and change your Medigap plan any time during the year. You will most likely need to answer Health questions, and your application will be subject to the Underwriting process with your Insurance partner, but for 7 out of 10 people, they breeze right through the underwriting process.

IS THE ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD FOR MEDICARE THE SAME EACH YEAR?

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, also known as the Fall Enrollment Period or Open Enrollment Period, occurs annually from October 15 to December 7. During these AEP dates, you can make changes to your Medicare elections for the upcoming year during this enrollment period.

This annual Medicare enrollment period is an opportunity to review and update your Medicare elections better to fit your lifestyle, healthcare needs, and budget. If you are unhappy with the changes you have made in the past or with your current plan, the Medicare Fall Open Enrollment Period is the time to fix those issues for the following year.

COMPARING THE ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD TO THE MEDICARE ADVANTAGE OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD

AEP stands for Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, and OEP stands for Medicare Open Enrollment Period. Depending on the context, OEP can refer to many other Medicare enrollment windows.

The difference between Medicare AEP and OEP is that there are multiple Open Enrollment Periods available through Medicare.

Depending on the type of coverage you have, you can make adjustments. For example:

• If you’re talking about the AEP, then you can make changes to your current Medicare Advantage or Part D plan.

• Those referring to the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period can only make changes if they’re already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.

• If you’re referring to your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period, then you can enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan (Medigap) without having to answer any health questions.

  
  

It’s essential to note that you can enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan at any time during the year. The only difference is that if you do it outside your open enrollment window, you’ll have to answer Medicare Supplement underwriting questions.

The number of changes you can make during an OEP depends on which Open Enrollment Period you’re referring to:

• If you’re making changes to your Advantage or Part D plan during the AEP, you can make as many changes as you want. The last change you make is what will take effect and become effective on January 1st of the following year.

• If you’re referring to your Medigap OEP, you can also make as many changes as you want. However, the plan you choose last is the one you will be enrolled in and is effective on the 1st of the following month, or as soon as your Part B is active. Additional changes within the 6-month window become effective on the 1st of the following month.

• If you’re talking about the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, you can only make one change during this enrollment window. So, choose wisely the first time!

  
  

Medicare enrollment windows can be confusing, but help from a licensed insurance agent can make the process easier.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO COMPARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLANS

Approximately 23 million Americans are enrolled in a Medicare Part D drug plan. Thus, it is essential to review and compare Medicare Part D prescription drug plans annually during the Medicare Annual Enrollment period, as plans undergo annual changes.

Like Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Part D coverage also does not stay consistent year after year, and it is crucial to review your plan changes. This way, you can compare other policy options and double-check that you have the right coverage for your needs.

Common reasons you may want to switch drug plans are:

• Changes in premium

• Changes in the drug formulary

• Change in preferred pharmacy

Any of the above changes could significantly affect how you use your Medicare Part D plan. This means that a plan better suited to your needs may be available. However, you may not be aware of these changes unless you review and compare your plan. The Medicare AEP dates are the perfect time to do this.

Each year, the company that manages your Medicare Part D plan must send you an Annual Notice of Change document in September. This document will explain any changes to your current policy that will take effect the following year. Reading and understanding these changes is necessary, as they directly affect your coverage.

Prescription drug prices have been increasing at an average annual rate of 31.6%. Some medications can experience extreme inflation and have been known to increase by over 500% within a year. This is obviously a significant concern for anyone taking prescription medications, and the exact reason you’ll need to use your Annual Enrollment Period to ensure you are covered. However, to combat this extreme price increase, Medicare has implemented the prescription drug rebate rule, which penalizes companies with significant cost increases for their medications.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO COMPARE DIFFERENT MEDICARE PLANS DURING THE ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD

Like Medicare Part D, your Medicare Advantage plan will see changes in networks, coverage, and out-of-pocket costs yearly. Between October 15 and December 7 each year, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan for the new year. Your plan will change annually, so it is wise to keep it up to date.

The best way to understand your plan changes is by reviewing the Annual Notice of Change. However, another plan may be more suitable for your needs, so you and your agent should review all available plans to ensure you get the right coverage moving forward.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO SWITCH BACK TO ORIGINAL MEDICARE DURING AEP?

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is not the time for you to enroll in Medicare Part A or Medicare Part B (Original Medicare). To be eligible for the Annual Enrollment Period, you must already be enrolled in Original Medicare. If you are new to Medicare and need to enroll in Part A or B, you must do so during your Initial Enrollment Period or General Enrollment Period.

If you already have Original Medicare and want to purchase a Medicare Supplement plan, you can still enroll. However, you will face medical underwriting and may be denied coverage if you do not have a guaranteed issue right.

WHAT CHANGES CAN SOMEONE MAKE DURING THIS AEP?

During the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, you can:

1. Switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare

2. Enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.

3. Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.

4. Enroll in a Medicare Part D plan.

5. Change from one Medicare Part D plan to another

6. Disenroll from a Medicare Part D plan

   
   

If you plan to switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to Original Medicare and wish to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan, you can do so during this time. You can also pick up a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan to replace your coverage through your MAPD once you switch to Original Medicare.

But remember that you must pass the Medicare Supplement underwriting eligibility questions to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan. Therefore, it is crucial to work with an agent to enroll in the right policy tailored to your healthcare needs, thereby avoiding a lapse in coverage.

HOW DO I SWITCH OVER TO HAVING A MEDIGAP PLAN (MEDICARE Supplement PLAN) DURING AEP?

You can enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan at any time. However, you cannot have Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement coverage at the same time.

Therefore, you must have a valid disenrollment period for your Medicare Advantage plan before picking up Medigap coverage. Fortunately, the Annual Enrollment Period is a valid disenrollment period for Medicare Advantage.

When you switch to a Medicare Supplement plan, you must undergo medical underwriting. A carrier can deny issuing you a Medicare Supplement policy based on your pre-existing conditions. If you believe you may not qualify for a Medigap plan, having a Medicare Advantage plan in mind is essential to avoid a lapse in coverage.

Often, licensed agents can help you find a plan with a carrier that will accept your pre-existing condition. However, that is not always the case with more severe health conditions.

ANY CHANGES YOU MAKE DURING THE ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD WILL TAKE EFFECT ON JANUARY 1, 2026

If you make changes to your Medicare coverage during the Annual Enrollment Period, these changes will go into effect on January 1 of the following year.

During the Fall Open Enrollment Period, you can make as many changes as you wish. However, the most recent change will be honored.

For example, if you switch from a Humana Medicare Advantage plan to an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan during the Fall Open Enrollment Period for Medicare, and later decide to change to a Cigna Medicare Advantage plan, the Cigna plan will take effect on January 1.

IF I CHANGE MY PLAN DURING THE AEP AND I END UP NOT LIKING THE NEW PLAN, WHAT CAN I DO?

Suppose you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during the Annual Enrollment Period. In that case, you will have the chance to change your plan during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. This is a separate period from January 1 to March 31 that is independent of AEP Medicare.

During this time, you can either switch back to Original Medicare or enroll in a new Medicare Advantage plan. If you switched from a Medicare Supplement plan to a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time, you would have a trial right for 12 months that allows you to switch back to your Medicare Supplement plan.

Considering the changes you make during the Fall Open Enrollment Period don’t take effect until January 1, but will affect your healthcare for the entire year, getting them correct is imperative. You can still change your Medicare Advantage coverage, but especially for Part D coverage, you’ll need to get it right, as you’ll have to wait until the fall to make changes.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO CHANGE COVERAGE, BUT YOU SHOULD COMPARE PLANS TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ALL OF THE BENEFITS YOU NEED

You should consider changing your coverage during the Annual Enrollment Period because plans change annually, and a new option may fit your needs better than your current plan. The only way to know is by reviewing your options each year.

Some changes that occur to Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans include:

• Premium Increases

• Changes To Provider Networks

• Prescription Drug Formulary changes

• Changes In Benefits

• Changes With Prescription Drug Pharmacy Networks

  
  

To avoid any surprises, you should conduct your due diligence by reviewing your plan and those in your area during the Fall Enrollment Period.

PREPARING FOR THE AEP (ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD)

It is crucial to have a plan when approaching the Annual Enrollment Period. It is never too early to prepare. If you wait too long, contacting an agent may become difficult, and you may miss your opportunity to change plans.

To have a successful Annual Enrollment Period, you should follow these steps to get the most out of the Medicare open enrollment dates and your healthcare coverage next year.

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DOUBLE CHECK TO ENSURE YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO MAKE CHANGES

If you are newly eligible for Medicare or have delayed coverage for any reason and do not yet have Medicare Part A and B, this is NOT your enrollment period. You will not be eligible to make changes during the Fall Open Enrollment Period unless you are within your Initial Enrollment period or are eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. In this case, you must wait until the General Enrollment Period.

However, remember that if you delayed Medicare Part D coverage for any reason and didn’t have creditable coverage, but wish to enroll, this is also your opportunity. You’ll be eligible to sign up for a Part D plan during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, but you’ll have to pay a penalty on top of your premium.

YOU NEED TO DECIDE IF YOU ARE HAPPY WITH YOUR CURRENT PLAN AND COVERAGE

When deciding on your coverage during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, you must take a deeper look at your current coverage and determine if there are any changes you would like to make. If you can find a plan with these changes, it may be the right decision to enroll in this new plan. However, no changes are necessary if your current plan is still working for you.

YOU MUST MAKE YOUR CHANGES FOR THE 2026 PLAN YEAR BEFORE DECEMBER 7, 2025

The most critical step of the process is connecting with a licensed insurance agent specializing in the plans you want to enroll in. Often, an agent may be able to help you find plans that you were not aware of, help you save money, or recommend plans that are right for your needs.

You can also save time in comparing coverages and premiums. Everyone has different needs and variables, such as their location. Therefore, it can be challenging to identify the right plan without some guidance. Working with an agent is crucial to ensuring you receive the coverage you need at the lowest possible price in a fraction of the time.

HOW DO I FIND OUT IF MY PLAN OR BENEFITS ARE CHANGING FOR NEXT YEAR?

Understanding whether or not you’ll experience changes in your coverage is critical for AEP Medicare. You can work with a licensed agent to understand your options and changes to your coverage, but if you have Medicare Advantage or Part D, you will be notified in advance.

Braden Medicare Insurance ANOC (Annual Notice Of Change) letter Poster.

In September, you should receive a letter from your Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D carrier containing the Annual Notice of Change document. The Annual Notice of Change will inform you if your premium, copays, pharmacy networks, or drug formulary changes in the upcoming year.

After reviewing the document, you may decide to stay with your current plan or seek a new policy that better suits your needs. Even if your current plan does not make drastic changes, reviewing other options during the Fall Enrollment Period is helpful to ensure you are still receiving the right coverage for your needs.

WRAPPING THINGS UP

Whether you are a seasoned veteran of the Annual Enrollment Period or this is your first time going through it, Medicare does not have to be confusing or overwhelming. If you do not already have a Medicare Broker, please feel free to reach out to us at Braden Medicare Insurance.

We offer a free, no-obligation plan review for Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans, and Medicare Supplement/Medigap plans at any time of the year. Please complete an online request form, call us, email us, or text us at your convenience. We will get back with you as soon as possible.

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