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Each year Medicare members can make changes to their Medicare Advantage or Part D plans during a period known as the Annual Election Period (AEP).
This election period is for individuals enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. If you have a Medigap (also called a Medicare supplement) plan, AEP is when you can change your Part D plan or switch to a Medicare Advantage plan.
These dates are important because if you miss the AEP deadline, you may have to wait to change plans.
Mid-September
Before the end of September, Medicare typically releases its Medicare & You handbook. Medicare & You is updated annually with the new Medicare rates and a list of plans available in your area. Medicare & You can be a great starting point when researching different plans.
It’s important to mention that the list of plans in Medicare & You can be confusing. For example, Medicare lists every plan in a given county. Some of these plans are only offered to certain members, such as those with Medicare and MediCal or specific medical conditions.
If you receive Medicare correspondence through the mail, you’ll receive a paper copy of this book. To request a copy, you can call 800-MEDICARE.
You may also download the pdf version at Medicare.gov.
Late September
By the end of September, you should receive your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) from your current Medicare Advantage or Part D insurance company. The ANOC is a short booklet outlining all of the changes to your plan for the following year.
If you do nothing, the benefits outlined in the ANOC will take effect on January 1st.
October 15th
The Annual Election Period officially begins on October 15th. Beginning the 15th, you can apply to change plans. If you have an insurance agent, you may want to contact them to discuss your options and submit your application. If you enroll in a plan by calling Medicare, by calling the plan directly, or with a different agent, you will no longer have your original insurance agent.
Call (800) 398-8714 to speak to an agent to learn about your plan options.
December 7th
The deadline to make changes is December 7th. If you submitted more than one application during AEP, the last one received would go into effect. Most insurance companies will send you a welcome kit and new card 10-14 days after they receive your application.
For a customized breakdown of the plans available in your area, click here.
January 1st
Your new plan will begin on January 1st. Be sure to present your new card when having services performed after this date. If you haven’t received your card yet, call the insurance company to ask for your ID number, so you can still access your benefits while you wait for your card.
Christina Valenzuela
Christina is the co-owner of Vista Mutual Insurance Services, an insurance agency that focuses exclusively on the needs of Medicare beneficiaries. She has worked in the Medicare insurance industry since 2006 and is a licensed insurance producer in multiple states.
Although we strive to be as accurate as possible, any differences between this document and the information on Medicare.gov will be governed by the information on Medicare.gov.
