Medicare calendar guide
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period: what you can review and change
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7 under current rules. Changes generally take effect January 1. Use the window to review, not to rush.
Serving Mississippi by phone and online, with local in-person help in the Delta.
What can change during AEP
People with Medicare can generally move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, switch Medicare Advantage plans, or join, switch, or drop Part D coverage during AEP. Medigap applications follow different rules and may involve underwriting.
- Change Medicare Advantage plans
- Return to Original Medicare
- Join or change a Part D plan
- Review how any change affects supplemental coverage
Review before October 15
Plan information becomes available before AEP. Gathering prescriptions, pharmacies, providers, and the Annual Notice of Change early gives you time to compare without making a last-day decision.
- Read the Annual Notice of Change
- Update medication and provider lists
- Identify travel or care changes
- Set an appointment before calendars fill
Do not let extra benefits lead the decision
Dental, vision, hearing, fitness, transportation, and over-the-counter benefits may be valuable. First confirm core medical access, prescriptions, cost sharing, and maximum out-of-pocket exposure.
- Hospital and specialist network
- Drug formulary
- Prior authorization
- Total expected annual cost
Use current official information
Review plan materials and Medicare Plan Compare. Plan availability, benefits, and costs vary by county and year. Save enrollment confirmation and verify the effective date.
Related help
Frequently asked questions
Select a question to see the answer.
When is AEP?
Under current rules, October 15 through December 7 each year, with changes generally effective January 1.
Do I have to change plans during AEP?
No. Review the new plan-year information and keep your coverage if it still fits.
Can I buy Medigap without underwriting during AEP?
AEP does not itself create a federal Medigap open-enrollment or guaranteed-issue right. Separate rules apply.
Your next step
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