If you have Medicare, one date range matters more than almost any other: the Annual Enrollment Period, often called AEP or "open enrollment." Every year, this is your main window to review your coverage and make changes for the year ahead.
The dates: October 15 – December 7
Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7 every year, with no exceptions for weekends or holidays. Any change you make during this window takes effect on January 1 of the following year.
What you can change during AEP
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or vice versa
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
Why the fall matters even if you're happy with your plan
Every year, plans send out an "Annual Notice of Change" (ANOC) in September. It's worth reading, because it outlines exactly what's shifting for the coming year — premiums, copays, provider networks, and covered drugs can all move without much fanfare. A plan that fit perfectly last year isn't guaranteed to fit the same way next year.
A simple way to think about it
AEP isn't just for people who want to switch. It's an annual checkup for your coverage — a chance to confirm your doctors are still in-network, your medications are still covered at a price that works, and you're not missing out on extra benefits you're entitled to.
Not sure where your plan stands for next year?
A quick, no-cost conversation can tell you whether your current plan still fits — or whether something else might serve you better. No pressure, no obligation.
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