Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) 2026 Guide | Optimized Insurance Plans
Short answer: Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 to December 7 every year, and it's your once-a-year window to review and change your Medicare Advantage or Part D drug coverage — with any changes taking effect January 1. Even if you love your plan, reviewing it each year is one of the smartest money moves in Medicare, because plans change. Here's what you can do during AEP and how to be ready before it opens.
What AEP is (and when)
The Annual Enrollment Period — sometimes called Medicare Open Enrollment — is the yearly window from October 15 to December 7. Changes you make take effect January 1 of the following year. It's the main time each year that most people can adjust their Medicare coverage, which is why fall is such an important season for anyone on Medicare.
What you can change during AEP
Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan — or the other way around.
Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
Join, drop, or switch a Part D prescription drug plan.
It's a lot of flexibility — which is exactly why a yearly review pays off.
Why review every year (even if you're happy)
Here's the trap: plans change every year, and so does your health. Your plan's drug formulary, premiums, copays, provider network, and extra benefits can all shift for the new year — and the medication that was cheap last year might land in a different tier. The plan that was perfect for you this year may not be next year. A quick annual review makes sure you're not overpaying or losing coverage you rely on.
Your pre-AEP prep checklist
List your medications (names and doses) — your drug list drives a huge part of the decision.
List your doctors and any specialists you want to keep.
Watch for your plan's "Annual Notice of Change" in the fall — it spells out what's changing for next year.
Note any health changes that might affect the coverage you need.
Get your questions ready — and consider having a licensed agent review it with you.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?
October 15 through December 7 each year, with changes taking effect January 1.
What can I change during AEP?
You can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change Advantage plans, or join/drop/switch a Part D drug plan.
If I like my plan, do I still need to do anything?
You don't have to change, but reviewing is wise — plans update their costs, drug lists, and networks yearly, so "doing nothing" can quietly cost you.
Is there a cost to have someone review my options?
Working with an independent agent typically costs you nothing to compare your options — and can save time and money.
Let's get you ready for AEP
Beat the fall rush — a little prep now makes enrollment easy. Learn more about Medicare or talk to a licensed agent at 385-317-4119. We'll review your options with zero pressure.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not insurance or medical advice. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to the plans we do offer in your area — we currently represent ___ organizations which offer ___ products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options. Not connect
ed with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.
