AEP stands for Annual Enrollment Period. This occurs every fall from October 15th thru December 7th, with a new coverage effective date of January 1st the following year. This election period is typically for people who want to make a change to a Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug plan.
*NOTE: AEP is NOT for people on Original Medicare wanting to change to a different Medicare Supplement plan. You can switch Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans anytime during the year, however, you will likely need to “medically health qualify” when you apply for a new plan.
Below is what you can do during the fall Annual Election Period (AEP):
- Change “TO” a Medicare Advantage (Part C plan) from Original Medicare
- Change “FROM” Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare
- Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another Medicare Advantage plan (regardless of whether either plan offers drug coverage)
- Enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan
- Change from one Part D prescription drug plan to another Part D prescription drug plan
- Opt-out (disenroll) from a Part D prescription drug plan
- Of course, you aren’t required to do anything — if you take no action, you’ll automatically remain enrolled in your current plan with the possible changes it has for the new year. Sometimes plans are discontinued, if that occurs, the carrier will convert you to a similar plan and will notify you usually by September of the current year.
*NOTE: Plan changes made during the fall AEP become effective on January 1st of the following year.
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