Medicare Annual Enrollment Is Coming: What to Know

Medicare Annual Enrollment Is Coming: What You Need to Know

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is right around the corner. Every year, this window runs from October 15 through December 7 — the same dates, year after year. Whether you’re happy with your current coverage or thinking about a change, this is the one time each year when most people can make adjustments — so it’s worth a few minutes to get ready now, before the calendar fills up.

Here’s what you need to know.

Key Dates for Medicare Annual Enrollment

October 15 – December 7 (every year): Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). You can switch Medicare Advantage plans, switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, join or change a Part D prescription drug plan, or drop coverage altogether.
January 1: Any changes made during AEP take effect.
January 1 – March 31: A separate Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period follows, but it offers more limited options than AEP.

Why this matters: Outside of these windows, most people can’t make changes to their coverage unless they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Reviewing Your Current Coverage

It’s tempting to assume that if your plan worked fine last year, it’ll work fine again this year — but Medicare plans can change their premiums, provider networks, and covered medications annually, sometimes significantly.

Before the Annual Enrollment Period begins, take time to review:

Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), mailed by your plan each September, which outlines what’s changing for the coming year
Your prescription drug list, to confirm your medications are still covered at the same tier
Your provider network, to make sure your doctors are still in-network

Preparing for Enrollment Season

A little preparation now can save a lot of stress once the Annual Enrollment Period begins. Consider:

Making a list of your current medications and doses, so you can quickly compare formularies
Writing down your must-have doctors and facilities, to check network coverage quickly
Setting a reminder for October 15, so you’re not rushing in the final weeks
Reaching out to a trusted advisor, like our Senior Solutions Group Team– we are always happy to help!

You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

Medicare Annual Enrollment can feel like a lot to keep track of — dates, notices, formularies, networks. But you don’t have to sort through it by yourself. A quick review now, before the season gets busy, can help you head into the Annual Enrollment Period with confidence instead of last-minute stress.