The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is a time each year when you can make changes to your Medicare coverage. It runs from October 15 to December 7. During the AEP, you can:

• Enroll in Medicare Part B (medical insurance) or Part D (prescription drug coverage) if you’re not already enrolled.
• Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or Part D plan.
• Drop your Medicare Advantage plan or Part D plan.

Any changes you make during the AEP will take effect on January 1 of the following year.

Why is the AEP important?

The AEP is important because it’s the only time each year when you can make major changes to your Medicare coverage. If you’re not happy with your current plan, or if your needs have changed, you can use the AEP to switch to a different plan.

What changes can I make to my Medicare coverage during the AEP?

During the AEP, you can make the following changes to your Medicare coverage:

• Enroll in Medicare Part B or Part D if you’re not already enrolled.
• Switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or Part D plan.
• Drop your Medicare Advantage plan or Part D plan.

How do I make changes to my Medicare coverage during the AEP?

To make changes to your Medicare coverage during the AEP, you can contact your current plan provider or shop for a new plan on the Medicare website. You can also call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for help.

What should I consider when making changes to my Medicare coverage?

When making changes to your Medicare coverage, it’s important to consider your needs and budget. You should also compare different plans to find the one that’s right for you.

Here are some things to consider when choosing a Medicare plan:

• Cost: How much can you afford to pay in monthly premiums and deductibles?
• Coverage: What services are covered by the plan? Are your prescription drugs covered?
• Providers: Are your doctors and hospitals in the plan’s network?
• Quality: What are the plan’s quality ratings?

Where can I get more information about the AEP?

You can learn more about the AEP on the Medicare website or by calling Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Conclusion

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is an important time for Medicare beneficiaries to review their coverage and make changes if needed. By understanding what the AEP is and what changes you can make during this time, you can ensure that you have the Medicare coverage that’s right for you.