Last updated: September 29, 2026 · Anthony and Kim Insurance Agency
Every year from October 15 to December 7, people with Medicare can review their coverage and make changes for the next year. This is called the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), and sometimes the Annual Election Period or Open Enrollment. Changes you make take effect on January 1.
What you can do during this period
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan.
- Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare.
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
- Join, switch or drop a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
Why review your plan every year?
Plans can change from one year to the next. Premiums, copays, the list of covered drugs and the doctors in the network can all change. If you have a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, your plan sends you an Annual Notice of Change each fall that explains what is different for next year. It is worth reading, even if you were happy this year.
A simple checklist
- Make a list of your doctors, hospitals and pharmacies.
- Make a list of your prescriptions and doses.
- Read your Annual Notice of Change if you received one.
- Check that your doctors are still in the network and your drugs are still covered next year.
- Compare what you would pay in premiums, copays and drug costs.
- Make any change before December 7.
Missed it?
If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, there is also a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31. During that time you can make one switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan, or go back to Original Medicare and join a drug plan. Some life events, like moving or losing other coverage, can also give you a Special Enrollment Period.
Want to understand your choices first? Read Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement.
Have questions about your own situation?
Call a licensed agent at 510-798-0913 or request a free plan review. Our service is no cost to you.
This article is general information about Medicare and is not advice about any specific plan. For official information, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
