Medicare

What Is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)?

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (also called the Annual Election Period, or AEP) runs every year from October 15 through December 7. During AEP you can join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage plan, join or switch a Part D plan, or move between Advantage and Original Medicare (adding Part D as needed). Changes typically take effect January 1. AEP is not the same as your Initial Enrollment Period around age 65, and it is not the same as Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (January 1–March 31).

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What you can do during AEP — and what you cannot

  • You can: switch Advantage plans, switch Part D plans, drop Advantage and return to Original Medicare, or newly join Advantage or Part D if you already have Part A and B.
  • Effective date: elections made Oct 15–Dec 7 usually start January 1. Do not wait until December 7 at night if you still need to check doctors and drugs.
  • Medigap is separate: AEP does not create a Medigap open-enrollment window. Buying a Supplement after leaving Advantage may require underwriting unless you have a guaranteed-issue right. See Medigap in Florida.
  • Not your first-time A/B signup: If you never enrolled in Part A or B, AEP is not the catch-up period. Use IEP, GEP, or an SEP — enrollment windows and missed enrollment.

How AEP differs from other “open enrollment” labels

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (January 1–March 31) is only for people already in an Advantage plan on January 1; options are more limited than AEP. Your Initial Enrollment Period is the seven-month window around 65 (or around Medicare-due-to-disability). Marketplace (ACA) open enrollment is a different program. Employers may use “open enrollment” for group benefits. If someone says “open enrollment,” ask which calendar they mean.

Florida / Central Florida: review the Annual Notice of Change

Plans in Osceola, Orange, and Brevard change premiums, formularies, extras, and networks every year. Your carrier should send an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) in the fall. Read it even if you “like this plan.” A doctor or pharmacy that participated this year may not next year. Kissimmee and Orlando residents who see specialists in more than one county should re-check those names before December 7. Related: changing an Advantage plan in Florida.

Action

Put October 15–December 7 on the calendar. Gather your Medicare number, doctor list, medications, and pharmacies. Compare options for your ZIP and submit a change before December 7 if you need one. Doing nothing means you usually stay in the same plan — including any changes the plan already filed for January.

How QIA can help

We run AEP reviews for Central Florida clients in English or Spanish — doctors, drugs, and the real difference between staying and switching. Free to clients; independent; AHIP-certified. Not affiliated with Medicare, CMS, or SSA.

FAQ

Common questions

No. AEP is Oct 15–Dec 7 for Advantage and Part D elections effective January 1. Advantage Open Enrollment is Jan 1–Mar 31 and only applies if you already have an Advantage plan, with more limited switch options.
You generally remain in the same Advantage or Part D plan, including any benefit or network changes the plan filed for the new year. “Doing nothing” is still a decision — read your ANOC.
AEP is for people who already have Medicare (typically Part A and B) to change Advantage or Part D. First-time Part A/B enrollment uses IEP, GEP, or a Special Enrollment Period.

Related questions: When can I enroll? · If I miss enrollment · Change an Advantage plan · Medicare Part D

Local pages: Medicare hub · Kissimmee · Orlando, FL · St. Cloud, FL · Brevard · Central Florida · Osceola County · Español

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Quantum Insurance Advisors · 2570 E Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL 34744 · (321) 430-1318 · help@qiahelps.com

Educational content only. Not affiliated with Medicare, CMS, or SSA.