Key Takeaways
- The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) ends December 7
- During AEP you can add, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage (Part C) and drug plans (Part D)
- Missing AEP could mean being locked into your current plan another year
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) ends on December 7. You still have time to make changes—but not much. This once-a-year opportunity is too important to ignore! Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming AEP deadline and why you should act quickly.
What Changes Can I Make During the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7 every year. It allows individuals already enrolled in Medicare to review their current coverage, compare options, and make plan changes. Any changes you make during AEP will begin on January 1.
During AEP, you may:
- Enroll into or switch from one Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) to another
- Disenroll from a Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare
- Add, drop, or change a stand-alone prescription drug plan (Part D)
Comparing plans can help you find lower out-of-pocket costs, expanded provider networks and more suitable prescription drug coverage. If you choose to drop coverage, be cautious! Dropping a drug plan without having other creditable coverage in place could result in penalties down the road.
What Happens If I Miss AEP?
If you miss the December 7 deadline, your ability to change plans becomes limited. Typically, you must wait until the next AEP unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
SEP’s are available to those who experience certain life events, including but not limited to:
- Making a permanent move
- Losing employer-based coverage
- Changes in Medicaid eligibility
Unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you may have to keep your current plan until the next Annual Enrollment Period. Medicare Advantage plan enrollees have an additional enrollment period called the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP), but this doesn’t take place until next year.
AEP vs. MA OEP: What’s the Difference?
Many people confuse AEP with the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP), but they are not the same. Here’s the difference:
AEP takes place October 15 – December 7. It’s open to all Medicare beneficiaries and allows you to join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage or drug plan. You can make unlimited changes until the deadline, and those changes take effect January 1.
MA OEP takes place January 1 – March 31. It’s only for individuals already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, and it allows you to make a one-time change. You can either switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or go back to Original Medicare and add a stand-alone drug plan. Plan changes will take effect on the first day of the following month.
Bottom line: AEP is a broader and more flexible opportunity. Don’t miss it!
Act Before December 7
Each year, Medicare plans change their premiums, provider networks, prescription drug lists, and coverage rules. Reviewing your options before the AEP deadline ensures you’re not caught off guard in January.
If you’re satisfied with your current plan, you don’t have to make changes. If your plan is still available next year, it will automatically renew if you do nothing. But it’s still a good idea to double-check premium increases, changes to drug formularies, and network updates.
The closer we get to December 7, the harder it becomes to reach a live Medicare agent. Hold times increase, call centers fill up, and many seniors run out of time before they get the guidance they need.
But you don’t have to navigate this alone.
AMAC’s licensed Medicare agents are here to help you review your options, check your doctors and prescriptions, and make sure you’re enrolled in the plan that fits your needs for 2026. Our guidance is personalized, unbiased, and always free.
Insurance is not something you want to leave to chance. A quick review today could prevent unexpected costs, doctor changes, or gaps in prescription coverage come January 1st.
Don’t Wait—Call Before the Deadline!
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is your opportunity to ensure your healthcare coverage is right for the year ahead. Whether you need to make a change or simply confirm that your current plan still works for you, now is the time to do it.
Call today and secure the peace of mind you deserve for 2026.
For help with Medicare plans – or any questions you may have about Medicare – contact AMAC’s Medicare Advisory Service at 1-855-611-4856 or request a quote by clicking the button below.