Every year from October 15 to December 7, people with Medicare can review and change their coverage. Changes take effect January 1. Plans change their premiums, benefits, networks and drug lists every year, so a plan that was right last year may not be right now.
What You Can Do During AEP
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or the reverse.
- Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
- Join, drop or change a Part D prescription drug plan.
How to Review Your Plan
- Read your Annual Notice of Change. Your plan must send it each fall, outlining changes to costs and coverage.
- Check your doctors and pharmacies. Confirm they are still in network.
- Check your prescriptions. Look for changes in tiers, costs and restrictions.
- Compare options. Look at total costs, not just premiums.
- Ask for help. A licensed agent can compare plans in your county.
Other Enrollment Periods
- Initial Enrollment Period: a 7-month window around your 65th birthday.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: January 1 to March 31 for people already in an Advantage plan.
- Special Enrollment Periods: for qualifying events like moving or losing other coverage.
The Cost of Doing Nothing
If you do not review your plan, you stay in it, with whatever changes come. A 20-minute review could save money or prevent a coverage surprise.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048) to get information on all of your options. Virgin Financial Group is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.