By Jessie A. Navalta, Owner/Broker
If you have Medicare, you’ve probably seen the commercials already. Every fall, insurance companies spend millions of dollars trying to get your attention during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) — and for good reason. This seven-week window is the one time each year almost everyone with Medicare can make a change to their coverage.
Here’s what AEP actually is, what you’re allowed to change, and — more importantly — what to check before you make any changes, so you don’t end up worse off than when you started.
When Is AEP in 2026?
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7, 2026. Any change you make during this window takes effect on January 1, 2027. This is the same date range every single year — it doesn’t move, and there’s no extension, so it’s worth marking on your calendar now.
Quick definition: AEP is sometimes also called “Fall Open Enrollment” or the “Medicare Open Enrollment Period.” They all refer to the same Oct 15–Dec 7 window.
Who Does AEP Apply To?
AEP applies to anyone already enrolled in Medicare — whether you have Original Medicare, a Medicare Advantage plan, or a standalone Part D prescription drug plan. It is separate from your Initial Enrollment Period (the 7-month window around when you first turn 65), which follows its own rules.
What Can You Actually Change During AEP?
During AEP, you’re allowed to:
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan
- Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare (and pick up a standalone Part D plan, or a supplement if you qualify)
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to a different one
- Switch from one Part D prescription drug plan to a different one
- Enroll in a Part D plan for the first time, if you didn’t sign up when you were first eligible
- Drop your Part D coverage altogether (though this can trigger a late enrollment penalty later — more on that below)
You can make as many changes as you want during the window. Only your last change before December 7 is the one that actually goes into effect on January 1.
5 Things to Check Before You Switch Anything
Every year, people switch plans based on a mailer or a commercial promising “$0 premium” — and every year, some of them regret it by February. Before you make any change, check these five things:
1. Your prescription list Plans change their drug formularies every year, even if you don’t change plans. A medication that was covered (and cheap) last year might jump in cost — or drop off the list entirely — for 2027. Always re-check your actual medications against next year’s formulary, not this year’s.
2. Whether your doctors are still in-network Provider networks shift constantly. A plan that covered your primary care doctor and specialists last year may have quietly dropped one of them for next year. Don’t assume — confirm.
3. The total cost, not just the premium A “$0 premium” plan can still cost you far more overall once you factor in deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums. The premium is only one piece of the puzzle.
4. The plan’s star rating Medicare rates every plan on a 1–5 star scale based on quality and member satisfaction. It’s a fast way to sanity-check a plan you’re considering.
5. Extra benefits — and their real-world limits Dental, vision, hearing, and grocery allowances are common perks in Medicare Advantage plans, but the coverage amounts and rules vary widely. A “dental benefit” might mean a $50 annual cleaning allowance or genuine coverage for major work — read the fine print.
Not Sure Where to Start? You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone.
I offer free, no-pressure Medicare reviews — by phone, video call, or in person. I’ll compare your current plan against what’s available for 2027 and tell you honestly whether switching makes sense.
The Most Common AEP Mistakes
- Choosing a plan on premium alone — and missing that a preferred pharmacy or specialist isn’t covered.
- Doing nothing and assuming “it renews the same” — your plan can change its costs, drugs, and network year to year even if you never touch it.
- Waiting until December 6th — rushing a decision at the last minute, with no time for a second opinion.
- Dropping Part D coverage without a plan — going 63+ days without “creditable” drug coverage can mean a permanent late-enrollment penalty added to your premium for life.
What Happens If You Do Nothing?
If you don’t make any changes during AEP, you’ll automatically stay on your current plan into 2027 — but “automatic” doesn’t mean “unchanged.” Your plan’s premiums, deductibles, drug formulary, and provider network can all shift for the new year even without you doing anything. That’s exactly why an annual review, even a quick one, is worth doing whether or not you end up switching.
A Quick Note on the Other Enrollment Window
AEP isn’t the only chance to make a change. If you’re already in a Medicare Advantage plan, there’s also the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP), which runs January 1 through March 31 each year. It’s more limited — you get one plan change, and you can only move to a different Medicare Advantage plan or back to Original Medicare. It’s a safety net, not a substitute for reviewing your options during AEP.
Why Work With an Independent Broker
I’m not employed by any single insurance company, which means I’m not steering you toward whichever plan happens to be easiest for me to sell. As an independent broker, I can compare plans across the major carriers in your area side by side, based on your actual doctors, medications, and budget — and there’s no cost to you for that comparison.
That’s the whole idea behind TrustHaven: someone in your corner during a season that’s designed to be confusing.
Ready for a Second Opinion Before December 7?
Appointments fill up fast as the deadline approaches. Reach out now to get on the calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AEP the same as Open Enrollment? Yes — “AEP,” “Fall Open Enrollment,” and “Medicare Open Enrollment Period” all refer to the same October 15–December 7 window.
Can I change plans more than once during AEP? Yes. You can switch as many times as you like between October 15 and December 7 — only your final selection takes effect on January 1.
Do I have to do anything if I’m happy with my current plan? Not technically, but it’s worth a quick review anyway. Plans can change their costs, covered drugs, and provider networks each year even if you take no action.
What if I miss the December 7 deadline? In most cases you’ll need to wait for the next enrollment opportunity — either the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (Jan 1–Mar 31, with limited options) or a Special Enrollment Period if you qualify due to a specific life event.
Does switching plans cost anything? Working with an independent broker like TrustHaven to compare and enroll in plans is free to you — brokers are compensated by the insurance carriers, not by clients.
Questions about your specific situation? I’m happy to talk through your options — no pressure, no obligation. Reach out directly at info@trusthaveninsurance.com or 239-438-4435.
TrustHaven Insurance Agency is an independent Medicare broker and is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This article is for general educational purposes and is not a guarantee of coverage, cost, or eligibility. Plan availability and details vary by state and change each year.